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"Praise for polio workers is always welcome, but we must not lose sight of the mission to end polio in Pakistan"
Irfanullah, polio worker, with Prime Minister Imran Khan. PHOTO: EXPRESS
PESHAWAR: Strenuous working conditions, imminent threats to safety, pitiable compensation and lack of appreciation.
This is unfortunately what Pakistan's polio vaccinators face as they continue their mission to eradicate the deadly virus.
Recent events, however, offer a glimmer of hope to polio workers in Pakistan, with the commitment of a dedicated vaccinator having garnered worldwide attention.
The individual in question is Irfanullah, 23, from Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whose rise was fueled by social media.
A viral video showing Irfanullah walking in waist-deep snow in the KP's Bashegram area to administer polio drops to children was viewed by thousands of people on Twitter and Facebook.
WATCH: Polio team crosses snow to vaccinate children
Filmed and uploaded by a friend, this viral video has been praised worldwide by Irfanullah after its publication on the social media pages of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef).
At home, Irfanullah and some of his fellow vaccinators were honored by Prime Minister Imran Khan at a special meeting at PM House on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister visited Twitter to congratulate Irfanullah and the thousands of other vaccinators working for a Pakistan without polio. "Irfan is one of 260,000 heroes who address children vaccinated against polio in extreme weather conditions. His viral video left each individual with a sense of fear and pride. This dedication is what will allow us [Pakistan] to achieve our goal of a #SalamPolioWorker polio-free nation, "tweeted Prime Minister.
For Irfanullah, praise and adoration are welcome, but he insists that this should not lessen the urgency of the mission to end polio in Pakistan.
Swat, originally from a village in Madyan, with a soft voice, is part of a team of vaccinators at the Chail Health Center.
In conversation with Express TribuneIrfanullah says it's a point of honor to enlist for every vaccination campaign in the district. "I grew up in a mountainous area. This rugged landscape and harsh weather conditions are not new to me. However, there has been a lot of rain and snow this season, which has made things a little more difficult for us. "
Polio workers performing in extreme weather conditions are heroes: Prime Minister
Asked about the day the viral video was shot, Irfanullah replied that he was only doing his job. "Glory and recognition have never been my goals. I could not even imagine receiving the kind of attention I 've received in recent days. "
However, he admits that appreciation feels good after years of hard work in the dark. "All of my colleagues and I are excited to see the world value our efforts. We hope this will strengthen Pakistan's efforts to eradicate polio. We want to see the end of polio not only in Pakistan, but around the world. "
Irfanullah's dedication also praised her from her home district of Swat.
"Assiduous and patriotic people like Irfanullah are an badet to Pakistan. They are a source of pride for all of us. At present, the government must do its part and ensure that Mr. Irfanullah and the thousands of other vaccinators receive good salaries and other basic privileges, "says a local resident, Barkat Ali. .
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