Photos: Pakistani female polio workers battle heavy snow during campaign

Pakistan is one of the very few nations left that is yet to completely eradicate polio, with millions being pumped into the immunisation campaign - and lately the unsung heroes of the campaign have gained international acclaim for their determination and dedication.

Earlier this year, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan lauded the efforts of workers who trudged through waist-deep snow to administer police vaccinations to children.

Khan met the workers who were video-graphed bracing harsh weather and trekking vaccines to help eradicate the crippling disease.

Now, pictures of female polio workers - trudging through waist-deep snow - have gone viral on social media after UNICEF Pakistan tweeted them over the weekend.

First tweeted by 'Pak Fights Polio', the pictures show a lady polio worker performing her duty during heavy snowfall in the remote area of Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan to protect children from the virus.

"A hero is somebody who voluntarily walks into the unknown"

A lady Polio worker performing her duty during heavy snowfall in the remote area of #Astore #GilgitBaltistan to protect children from polio virus. #endpolio pic.twitter.com/V5Zk3lrDZo

- Pak Fights Polio (@PakFightsPolio) February 22, 2019

The women were lauded by Pakistanis all over, including Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's ambassador at the UN.

This is a reflection of the courage of the Pakistani people https://t.co/YebrqvRQYN

- Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) February 24, 2019

The brave workers even got a shout-out from Henrietta H. Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, who was 'inspired by the brave men and women who go to great lengths to protect children, no matter where they are.'

Nothing will stop this polio vaccinator from protecting the health of children in Pakistan. I am inspired by the brave men and women who go to great lengths to protect children, no matter where they are. Together, we can #EndPolio #VaccinesWork pic.twitter.com/QsqhenCnvj

- Henrietta H. Fore (@unicefchief) February 23, 2019

In a report in Washington Post, Pakistan is one of three countries in the world where polio is still endemic. The other two are Afghanistan and Nigeria.

The recent polio drive is aimed at targeting 39.2 million under-five children across the country, except for some areas badly hit by winter rains. The campaign will try to include children who move across the Afghan-Pakistan border as well. In 2018, Pakistan reported only eight new polio cases.

yousufk@khaleejtimes.com