Pakistan’s health workers fight the spread of polio
Al Jazeera
Despite demanding working conditions and even targeted killings, field workers continue to battle the disease.
Polio remains endemic in two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
To counter the spread of the disease, Pakistan launched an eradication campaign in 1994. The country used to report 20,000 cases annually, yet while the figure has come down significantly (five so far this year), the spread continues.
Pakistan administers more than 300 million doses of oral vaccine annually with the help of at least 350,000 vaccinators, according to the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme.
Health workers, as well as accompanying security officials, are often harassed, ridiculed, taunted, threatened and targeted physically. At least 102 have been killed over the past three decades, including in campaigns carried out this year.
Amid these attacks, and refusals of vaccination, health workers also face low pay, salary delays, and tough working conditions. Some told Al Jazeera they are paid as little as 1,360 rupees (approx $5) for an eight-hour day.
