As things return to normalcy after the COVID-19 lockdown was lifted, a polio worker mother-son duo is making waves with their efforts for polio eradication. Mujeeb Khan and his mother are polio workers that are being hailed as heroes in this regard.
While we were only reminded of the efforts and sacrifices of medical and paramedical staff on the frontlines against disease with the Coronavirus pandemic, it is easy to lose sight of the countless polio workers who have been on the frontline against the Poliovirus for decades.
Recently a polio worker shared an image of himself and his mother who is also a vaccinator. Two generations of a family putting an end to a generations-long battle in Pakistan.
Me and my mother on way to home back after a hard day of polio vaccination #VaccinesWork pic.twitter.com/GyZleQIiz9
— Mujeeb Khan (@MujeebSudozai) September 22, 2020
Twitter rushed to laud the mother-son duo as national heroes. People even compared their efforts to the likes of Edhi.
You and your mom are heroes ♥️
— Gulalai Ismail ګلالۍاسماعیل (@Gulalai_Ismail) September 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/guldaar/status/1308458690345930754
https://twitter.com/paakislove/status/1308505695424258049
https://twitter.com/usmannrathore/status/1308789044789350400
Even the official account of Prime Minister Imran Khan shared Mujeeb Khan’s tweet.
Prime Minister share your post. Wow….. pic.twitter.com/5BZffYWyMw
— M.Nabeel Shah (@MNabeelShah4) September 23, 2020
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The battle against polio needs to be owned
Previously a viral polio worker, Irfanullah was invited to the PM House in Islamabad so that Imran Khan could personally thank him for his service. Irfanullah and his team made their way through waste deep snow to make sure children in those areas were vaccinated against Polio.
Mujeeb Khan and his mother deserve the same, to say the least.
Pakistan initiated its battle to eradicate Poliovirus back in 1994. Decades later, Pakistan is still not 100% polio-free. Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Program has deployed 260,000 vaccinators across the country.
Polio workers have one of the most demanding and dangerous jobs in Pakistan. Besides the grueling work hours, these workers are often subject to threats for their service. Unfortunately, many personnel have even been murdered while doing their duty.
Despite the danger that comes with the job, Mujeeb Khan and his mother are still fighting the good fight. One hopes that their efforts don’t go in vain. Only Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where polio remains a menace.
