The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme has announced a 28 per cent increase in the daily allowance given to frontline polio workers across the country.
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), the revised allowance will take effect from the coming polio vaccination campaign. The decision was made after consultations with workers involved in vaccination drives.
The NEOC said it had held a series of listening sessions with polio workers over the past several months. Workers were given an opportunity to directly discuss their concerns, suggestions and experiences with senior officials. Authorities decided to raise their daily allowance by 28 per cent after these discussions.
Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq said the increase was a recognition of the workers’ hard work, dedication and services.
She said these teams play an important role in Pakistan’s efforts to completely eliminate polio.
When will next Polio campaign begin?
The next polio vaccination campaign is scheduled to run from September 21 to September 27, 2026.
The drive will cover 115 districts across Pakistan. More than 31 million children are expected to receive polio vaccine drops during the campaign.
Polio teams work directly in communities to reach eligible children. Health authorities continue vaccination and environmental surveillance efforts in different parts of the country.
Government to continue Polio eradication campaigns
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating polio from Pakistan.
The prime minister said Pakistan was following a comprehensive strategy to fight the disease, during a meeting with Gates Foundation Global Development President Dr Chris Elias in Islamabad.
Shehbaz Sharif also thanked Bill Gates and Saudi Arabia for their cooperation in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.
The prime minister added that the federal government was working closely with provincial authorities.
The 28 per cent allowance increase is expected to provide greater financial support to Polio frontline workers.