Fighting polio, one knock at a time

In the narrow streets of Pashtoonabad, one of Quetta’s most high-risk union councils, a quiet revolution began nearly two decades ago. It started with a school-going girl named Arifa, who volunteered as a polio worker. At the time, she earned just 80 rupees a day. However, that humble beginning and her commitment to the cause over the years saw her become a Senior Community Block Officer (SCBO), and a respected leader in the fight against polio.

Born into a modest Pashtoon family, Arifa’s early life was one of struggle. She lost her father at a very young age. One of her sisters passed away, and her younger brother, who was born with a disability, also recently left this world. Arifa, along with her mother and surviving sister, weathered the storms of life with quiet strength and determination.

“My sister and I used to sell chickpeas and rice on the streets, and I did embroidery to support the household,” Arifa recalled. "I was still in school when I joined the polio campaign with my sister. Back then, the job was just a source of income. But with time, it became a mission.”

For the last 17 years, Arifa has dedicated herself to polio eradication. She funded her own education, completing a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.). More importantly, she used her salary to provide medical treatment for her disabled brother, a responsibility she carried with courage and compassion. Similarly, her commitment to polio eradication runs deeper than professional duty.

“I’ve lived with the pain of disability. I’ve seen what it does to families. I don’t want any other child to suffer like my brother. That’s why I dedicate my life to this mission. Every child I vaccinate is, in a way, my own brother,” she said.

Working in a conservative neighbourhood was not easy. Arifa was one of the first women in her area to step out for work, and she paid a heavy price for it. She faced verbal abuse, stones thrown at her, and even dogs unleashed to scare her away — all because she dared to protect children from disease.

“I cried many times. But I never told my mother or sister. I didn’t want them to worry. If I had quit, other girls would never have stepped forward. I had to keep going.”

Today, nearly 100 per cent of polio frontline workers in her area are women. Arifa inspired many of them. She has not only led by example but also empowered other women to serve their communities.

Arifa’s influence goes far beyond vaccinations. Through her work, she found her voice. She is known for being eloquent, proactive, and inspiring.

She has initiated several community engagement sessions by involving teachers and respected religious women scholars, which helped build trust and reduce refusals to vaccination in underserved communities. These efforts have proven revolutionary in reaching missed children and addressing deeply rooted misconceptions.

Arifa also actively motivates female doctors to speak out about the safety and importance of the polio vaccine, especially in her area where false rumours linking the vaccine with infertility have long caused hesitation and resistance.

“People need voices they trust. When doctors and religious women speak, families listen. My job is to bring them together for a common cause,” she told said.

Known for her humble and friendly nature, Arifa has become a source of strength for women around her. Community members feel comfortable approaching her, seeking her advice, and often sharing personal concerns.

Her journey hasn’t been without danger. She survived two serious security incidents, including a hand grenade attack on a vehicle full of polio workers. Yet nothing could shake her resolve.

“From a daily wager to SCBO — it’s been a tough road, but I’m proud. Every challenge made me stronger,” said the activist. Arifa’s story is one of courage, transformation, and leadership. She is not only protecting children from a disabling disease but is also rewriting the narrative for women in her community one step, one voice, and one child at a time.

Mohammad Zafar Baloch is a freelance journalist based in Quetta

All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer