ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, Ayesha Raza Farooq, has been named Pakistan’s first Gender Champion by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), in recognition of her leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in public health, said a press release issued by GPEI on Wednesday.

“The appointment highlights Farooq’s continued efforts to integrate gender perspectives into Pakistan’s polio eradication program and strengthen the leadership and visibility of women across all levels of implementation,” it said.

Over 0.4m frontline health workers

“Across the country, more than 400,000 frontline health workers, nearly 60% of whom are women, form the backbone of the national effort to reach every child with the life-saving polio vaccine.”

Untitled(11).jpg — A health worker climbs during a door-to-door poliovirus vaccination campaign amidst heavy snow in the Bakwali-Surgan area of Azad Jammu and Kashmir's Neelum Valley, on February 4, 2025. -- Photo by AFP/File

“Their courage, trust, and determination continue to be central to Pakistan’s success in the fight to end polio,” the statement added.

“For me, the fight against polio is not only about protecting children’s health - it’s about equity, opportunity, and empowerment,” said Farooq.

‘Breaking barriers’

“Every day, I see how women are the true drivers of this mission: leading vaccination teams, breaking barriers in their communities, and carrying the hope of a healthier future.”

Farooq’s recognition by GPEI underscores the essential link between gender equality and health outcomes, as well as Pakistan’s growing leadership in championing inclusive approaches to global health.

“As Gender Champion, Farooq has reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for women’s leadership in health, amplifying the voices and stories of female frontline workers, and ensuring gender integration and accountability remain central to the program’s work,” the statement said.

“Farooq’s role as Pakistan’s first Gender Champion reflects both the nation’s leadership in the global fight to eradicate polio and its deep commitment to a more equitable and inclusive future for every child,” the press release concluded.

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Pakistan’s focal person on polio named ‘Gender Champion’ by international body