Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, the disease remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan launched an eradication campaign in 1994, significantly reducing the number of reported cases from 20,000 annually to just five so far this year.
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme administers over 300 million doses of oral vaccine annually through the work of 350,000 vaccinators. However, health workers face numerous challenges, including harassment, threats, and physical attacks, with at least 102 workers killed during campaigns this year.
In addition to security risks, health workers also struggle with low pay and tough working conditions. Some are paid as little as $5 for an eight-hour day, while polio survivors working on the campaign receive no transport or health benefits despite their condition.
These dedicated individuals continue to navigate difficult terrain and weather conditions to carry out their crucial work, facing obstacles both from the disease itself and the communities they serve.