Polio workers to get 28pc stipend raise

Islamabad - The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) has announced a 28 percent raise in the daily stipend for more than 400,000 frontline workers involved in polio vaccination campaigns, in preparation for the upcoming sub-national campaign from September 21 to 27. During this drive, vaccination teams will administer vaccines to more than 31 million children across 115 districts in Pakistan's five provinces.

The 28 percent increase in stipend comes after a series of Frontline Worker Listening Sessions held nationwide, where vaccinators and other personnel were given the chance to directly interact with PEI leadership and share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions from the field.

In addition to the stipend increase, PEI is taking broader steps to better support frontline workers, including upgrading Frontline Worker Support Centres with basic amenities in certain areas, issuing ID cards to frontline workers, and developing operational safety guidelines to ensure their safety while working in the field.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, PM’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, stated that the frontline workers are the backbone of Pakistan's efforts towards a polio-free future. She emphasized the 28 percent increase as an important step in recognizing their dedication and contributions to the eradication efforts, and reaffirmed PEI's commitment to ensuring the frontline workers feel safe, respected, valued, and supported in their crucial work.