Polio Workers’ Stipend Raised By 28%
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Sep, 2026)
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) has increased the daily stipend of more than 400,000 campaign-based frontline workers by 28% ahead of the September 21–27 vaccination drive.
During the drive, over 31 million children will be vaccinated in 115 districts across six regions.
Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq said frontline workers were at the heart of Pakistan’s efforts to achieve a polio-free future.
"Our frontline workers go above and beyond to reach every child and support communities, often working in challenging environments," she said, adding that the stipend increase was an important step towards recognising their dedication and contribution.
She said the PEI was also taking measures to improve the safety, dignity and wellbeing of frontline workers, including upgrading support centres with basic amenities in selected areas, issuing identification cards and developing operational safety guidelines.
According to the PEI, Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8%, from an estimated 20,000 in the early 1990s to 31 in 2025 and three so far in 2026.
Ahead of the September campaign, the initiative urged parents and caregivers to allow vaccination teams to administer two drops of oral polio vaccine to every child under five. It also called on religious leaders, civil society and communities to support and respect vaccination teams and help ensure they can safely reach every child.