Peshawar: On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organized a special event to recognize the dedication, resilience, and valuable contributions of female frontline health workers serving in the Polio Eradication Programme.
The event was attended by Ms. Rubab Mehdi, Ombudsperson Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as the Chief Guest. Among the distinguished participants were Mr. Capt. (R) Sanaullah Khan, Deputy Commissioner Peshawar; Ms. Shazia Atta, Secretary KP Commission on the Status of Women; representatives from UNICEF, WHO, partner organizations, media personnel, polio field workers, and health professionals.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Rubab Mehdi praised the courage, dedication, and commitment of female polio frontline workers, acknowledging their crucial role in protecting the health of children and communities across the province. She noted that these women continue to perform their responsibilities with remarkable determination despite challenging field conditions.
The Ombudsperson highlighted the importance of human rights in strengthening public health initiatives, emphasizing that the protection, dignity, and safety of frontline workers must remain a priority. She shared that human rights-based service delivery and referral mechanisms have been established to support frontline workers in addressing concerns related to harassment, workplace protection, and rights violations through appropriate institutional channels.
She further stated that these support systems and referral frameworks aim to empower women working in the polio programme, enabling them to carry out their duties with confidence, dignity, and security while strengthening the overall impact of the polio eradication mission.
The event concluded with a collective recognition of the strength, leadership, and resilience of women, whose tireless efforts continue to safeguard the health and future of children across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
