Everyday people in Pakistan advocating for vaccinations
A legion of supporters across neighbourhoods, schools, and households are creating a groundswell of support for one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions in history: vaccination. These are everyday heroes in Pakistan’s fight against polio.
These thousands of brave individuals are championing polio vaccine within their communities to enlist the majority in the pursuit of protecting the minority — reaching the last 5% of missed children in Pakistan.
One of the major factors that determines whether a child will receive vaccinations is the primary caregiver’s receptiveness to immunization. The decision to vaccinate is a complex interplay of various socio-cultural, religious, and political factors. By educating caregivers and answering their questions, these Vaccine Heroes serve as powerful advocates for vaccination, even creating demand where previously there might have been hesitation. This is where everyday people step in to vouch for vaccination as a basic health right.
Here are some nuanced, powerful, and thought-provoking testimonies on their unwavering belief in reaching every last child:
Toddler Jannat playing with her doll after vaccination
Jannat Awais—Lahore, Punjab province
“I took drops because mother says they keep me safe from diseases and I don’t like being sick. When I am sick I cannot play with my cousins and my mother and father take me to the doctor. I like to dress up as a princess, because they are beautiful and also healthy. The drops tasted very bad, but I still took them because my teacher at the school said we have to. She also told me that they keep me and my friends safe from diseases.”
Mufti Laeeq in his library
Mufti Laeeq Ahmad Ghaznavi—religious scholar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
“I am often asked what Islam says on the usage of vaccines and whether they are permissible. People have seen so much controversy on immunization in newspapers and on audio/visual channels, so they are seeking a clear answer. I present evidence and analysis from scientists, religious scholars and doctors to tell them that vaccines are beneficial. I am very hopeful that after we provide them with logical reasoning and the correct teachings regarding immunization, people leave convinced and satisfied that they can continue to use vaccinations without any apprehensions.”
Gulbashra marking the door of a house with her mother-in-law supporting her
“My mother-in-law often helps me out. She has very good communication skills despite being illiterate, and while I vaccinate children she engages the mothers and even men, if they are home, when there is a refusal. After struggling over the last three years, our community now accepts vaccination and we are mobilizing them for routine immunization.
“I enjoy my work. It gives me a chance to work for my own people and to support my extended family. Health education is critical for all individuals living in a community. These two drops to each child in every polio campaign is the only solution to eliminate polio from world.”
Sajjad visiting houses to vaccinate children
Muhammad Sajjad—Vaccinator, Lahore, Punjab province
“Vaccination should be mandatory for all children as it saves them from several deadly diseases. As time passes, people are becoming more aware of this. Parents are now taking their children to the health facilities for vaccination. And after just one mosque announcement, mothers bring their children to the RI (routine immunization) station for vaccination.”
Aliya administering polio drops to child during
Aliya Shabnum—Lady health worker, Lahore, Punjab province
“I have worked for polio eradication in Pakistan for 25 years now. I have seen the change the reduction in polio cases first-hand. I am confident that Pakistan will become polio-free soon. My biggest motivation for this job is time. I have invested so much of my life’s work in the field vaccinating children. I cannot quit now. I have to see the end.”
Farwa holding her baby while the vaccinator prepares an injectable vaccine
Farwa—Mother, Rawalpindi, Punjab province
“There is no question about getting him (son) vaccinated because everyone in our community does so. All our children are precious to us, so we encourage each other to follow the immunization schedule.”
“It is our duty as parents to make sure our children are given preventative treatment from a young age so that they do not fall prey to deadly diseases.”
Grandmother holding her grandson after vaccination
Grandmother—Rawalpindi, Punjab province
“I always bring my grandson to the door when community vaccinators come, or I take him to the local health centre. I am usually the one at home with him during the day, so it is my responsibility to ensure he gets his vaccinations. I do this because I know it is necessary to provide him this protection in childhood – before, God forbid – anything bad happens to him.”
Shazia with her daughter Aasia after visiting vaccination
Shazia—Mother, Rawalpindi, Punjab province
“My daughter Aasia is only nine months old and I make sure to bring her for all her necessary vaccinations and check-ups. I make sure she is vaccinated because it will help give her the best life possible and ensure she grows up happy, healthy and safe.
“As a mother, nothing in the world makes me happier than knowing this!”
Rijha and her doll posing in front of a mirror
Tajarya Najam Ghulam—Aunt, Rawalpindi, Punjab province
“My niece Rijha is two years old. She loves playing with her precious doll. Every time vaccinators come to our door, I tell her that she and her doll must rush downstairs to get vaccinated or else they will get sick. When she hears this, she never protests and runs downstairs to get vaccinated with the other children on our street!”