Ayesha Reza: From Polio Survivor to Polio Fighter
Pakistan remains one of two South Asian nations where children under the age of five are at risk of contracting the debilitating, highly infectious polio virus that can lead to paralysis and death. To combat this public health threat, Pakistan has undertaken a significant effort. The country’s polio eradication program is one of the largest in the world. Spearheaded by nearly 300,000 healthcare workers and vaccinators, the program runs nationwide campaigns to immunize children.
A Survivor’s Strength
Ayesha Reza, a 38-year-old polio survivor, embodies the program’s spirit. Living in the suburban town of Ghaziabad, Lahore, with her husband and daughter, Ayesha is one of these dedicated healthcare workers who are committed to eradicating the virus from the lives of under-5 children in Pakistan.
Stricken by polio at the tender age of two in 1988, Ayesha initially experienced a fever and weakness in her leg. With limited awareness about the disease at the time, her parents initially treated it as a common childhood illness. However, the persistent fever and worsening condition led to the shocking news: Ayesha had polio. Back then, many people did not know about polio, and there was no vaccine to prevent it. Ayesha’s parents were scared. They could not imagine their little girl not being able to walk.
With treatment, Ayesha slowly regained some strength, but the disease left her with lasting effects. She started school late and had to discontinue her education after high school because of her mother’s health.
Finding Purpose in Protecting Others
Contracting the virus at a young age left her with lasting limitations. Despite these challenges, Ayesha persevered. Following her marriage in 2013, she discovered a new purpose by joining the Punjab Health Department. Initially part of the Dengue Surveillance Team, Ayesha was unable to keep up with the demanding requisites of the field job due to weakening body, therefore, she joined polio team as an occasional vaccinator.
A Collective Effort for a Polio-Free Future
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), and a consortium of key donors are playing a critical role in supporting Pakistan’s fight against polio. This collaborative effort includes partners like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, and the Qatar Fund for Development.
Through the Lives and Livelihoods Fund, these partners have provided critical financial assistance of US$160 million. This investment has enabled the delivery of over 500 million oral poliovirus vaccines, ensuring vital protection for 43 million children under five across Pakistan.
A Powerful Voice for Vaccination
Ayesha goes house-to-house, educating families about polio and the importance of vaccination. Her own experience with the disease is a powerful tool. By sharing the limitations polio has imposed on her life, Ayesha compels parents to understand the potential dangers their children face without vaccination. She speaks from the heart, detailing the difficulties she encounters due to weakened muscles and an inability to stand for long periods. For Ayesha, the potential to save children from a similar fate makes this vulnerability worthwhile.
As a mother herself, Ayesha expresses deep gratitude to the LLF partners for their critical role in supporting Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. Their contributions, alongside other key donor partners, have provided vital financial assistance and over 500 million life-saving vaccines, ensuring they reach every child who needs them.
