ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme has announced a 28 per cent increase in the daily allowance for frontline polio workers, with the revised payment set to take effect from the next nationwide vaccination campaign.
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), the increased allowance is aimed at providing better financial support to workers who participate in polio vaccination activities across the country.
Polio focal person Ayesha Raza Farooq said the next nationwide campaign will be conducted from September 21 to 27 across 115 districts of Pakistan.
More than 31 million children are expected to receive polio drops during the campaign as health authorities continue efforts to prevent the spread of poliovirus and protect children from the potentially disabling disease.
Frontline polio teams, including field workers and other campaign staff, play a crucial role in reaching children in communities and ensuring that eligible children receive the oral polio vaccine. Their work involves travelling to households and communities across targeted areas during vaccination drives.
The increase in the daily allowance is intended to strengthen financial support for these workers and facilitate the smooth implementation of vaccination activities.
Authorities have stressed the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage across all targeted districts during the upcoming campaign. Effective coordination and the continued efforts of frontline teams remain essential to reaching millions of children.
The September campaign will form part of Pakistan’s ongoing national efforts to eradicate polio and prevent new infections among children. Health authorities continue to emphasise the importance of vaccination coverage and the cooperation of communities in ensuring that all eligible children receive polio drops.
