Vaccinator Laila Ashiq crossing the Indus to reach a remote population and administer lifesaving vaccines. Photo credit: WHO Pakistan23 April 2025, Islamabad, Pakistan – “Children should complete their vaccinations, no matter where they live. To reach these locations, we travel on foot, often crossing fields. Sometimes we use a boat to cross rivers to ensure that no child misses a vaccination.”
In the scorching heat of Ghazi Kot – a remote area of Muzaffargarh district – navigating the waters of the Indus River in a small boat, 24-year-old Laila Ashiq embarks with her vaccine carrier on a heroic mission to vaccinate every child and pregnant woman against preventable diseases, leaving no one behind.
As one of only 12 female vaccinators in the district, Laila's commitment to her community of 60 000 individuals goes beyond her role as vaccinator for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Pakistan, a collaborative initiative supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). “When children are vaccinated, they stay healthy, contributing to a healthier society and helping to brighten the future of Pakistan,” says Laila.
Twice a week, Laila travels 25–30 km to vaccinate children in hard-to-access villages. Photo credit: WHO Pakistan Laila, who lost her mother in 2021 and supports her 2 younger sisters while her father works as a ticket collector, embodies resilience and determination.
Twice a week, Laila travels 25–30 km along a treacherous river route to reach hard-to-access villages. Driven by her unwavering belief that every life matters, Laila vaccinates women and children and educates mothers on the importance of regular vaccination and preventive care, helping to ensure that their children grow up healthy.
"Vaccination is not just a choice, it's a responsibility that we share for the well-being of the children of our community. Through outreach and awareness-raising efforts, vaccinators transform indifference into a commitment to protect our children from preventable diseases like tetanus and measles”, says Laila.
Laila administering a polio drop in a remote village in Punjab. Photo credit: WHO Pakistan Laila vaccinates children against 12 fatal diseases including childhood tuberculosis, polio, diarrhoea, pneumonia, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type b, meningitis, typhoid, measles and rubella.
“I felt relieved after the completion of the vaccination course for my son, knowing my child is protected now. For this I am grateful to Laila who not only informed me about the benefits of vaccination but also ensured I stayed on track with each dose,” said Rabia Bibi, mother of 3 children and a resident of Daddoo Mor village in Ghazikot.
Laila’s dedication to outreach activities in geographically challenging regions is a testament to her commitment to improving health care services in the community. For her, having access to vaccinations is not a privilege, but a human right.
“I believe that health is a fundamental right for every child, and this right cannot be taken away from them. Their vaccinations should be completed, no matter where they live.”