Polio workers to get 28pc stipend raise

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) on Wednesday announced a 28 per cent increase in the daily stipend for over 400,000 campaign-based frontline workers ahead of the next sub-national campaign, scheduled for Sept 21-27.

During the upcoming drive, vaccination teams will reach more than 31 million children across 115 districts in Baloch­istan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Isl­­amab­­ad, Khyber Pakh­tunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh.

The 28pc increase follows a series of Frontline Worker Listening Sessions held nationwide, giving vaccinators and other personnel an opportunity to engage directly with PEI leadership and share their experiences, challenges and recommendations from the field.

“The Country Programme is also taking broader steps to strengthen support for frontline workers, including measures to enhance their security, protect their dignity and well-being, and recognise the vital contribution they make to the country’s polio eradication efforts.

“This includes upgrading Frontline Worker Support Centres with basic amenities in select geographies, issuing ID cards to frontline workers, and developing operational safety guidelines to help ensure their safety while in the field,” a statement of PEI claimed.

“Our frontline workers are at the heart of Pakis­tan’s progress towards a polio-free future. Day after day, they go above and beyond to reach every child and support communities in the country, often working in challenging environments,” said Aye­sha Raza Farooq, PM’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication.

“The 28pc increase in the daily stipend is an important step in recognising their dedication and contribution to our eradication efforts. We are committed to ensuring that every frontline wor­ker feels safe, respected, valued and supported as they carry out this vital work,” she added.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2026