A day in the life of a polio worker

Accompanying the dedicated polio worker, Noor Jahan, on her rounds in the vibrant nomadic community was an eye-opening experience. As we traversed unpaved rough terrain, the adorable sight of beautiful yet grubby children, adorned in vivid traditional attire, following us from door to door filled me with a sense of purpose. Witnessing their eyes light up with joy upon receiving the crucial vaccine underscored the significance of our mission.

Despite the long distances and physical exhaustion evident in Noor Jahan’s demeanor, her kindness and dedication never wavered. A widow at a young age, she found herself at the crossroads of despair and responsibility, yet she pressed on, holding the hand of her 11-year-old daughter.

In the midst of our journey, I had the opportunity to witness a heartfelt exchange between Noor Jahan and a hesitant mother. After a persuasive dialogue that spanned nearly 20 minutes, the mother’s initial reluctance softened, and she embraced the importance of protecting her child from polio. Noor Jahan’s patience and empathy in these moments left a lasting impression on me.

“Some parents softened quickly, while some gave us a very tough time,” Noor Jahan remarked, her words tinged with a mixture of weariness and determination. “Their weird expressions and harsh sentences sometimes demotivate me, but the innocence and smiles of the little champs revive my energy and I continue to work.”

Accompanying Noor Jahan as a journalist reaffirmed my admiration for the resilience and dedication of polio workers. Their efforts are not only crucial in maintaining polio-free status but also in fostering community trust and resilience.

The Provincial head of Emergency Operations Center Balochistan Syed Zahid Shah praised the exemplary work of frontline workers like Noor Jahan, emphasizing the importance of their efforts in protecting the health of children. He urged communities to understand the sensitivity of the issue, emphasizing that any child could be vulnerable to the polio virus without proper vaccination.

“As we reflect on Balochistan’s three-year polio-free status, it’s clear that the contributions of frontline workers cannot be overstated. However, the recent cases in Dera Bugti and Chaman serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against polio. It is imperative that we continue to support and amplify the voices of polio workers as they strive to protect the health of future generations.” He urged communities to understand the sensitivity of the issue as polio environmental samples is circulating around us, emphasizing that any child could be vulnerable to the polio virus without proper vaccination.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2024.