Kashif Shamim Siddiqui
In the quiet morning light, Sacred Rukhsana stood nervously beside her gleaming motorcycle, its engine purring softly as if encouraging her. As she prepared to embark on her first ride during training, her heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. “Will I make it through without a stumble? Please… please, hold onto me,” she implored the female instructor, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
The instructor, a beacon of calm amidst Rukhsana’s nerves, met her gaze with a reassuring smile. “Girtehainshahsawar hi maidan-e-jungmein,” she quoted softly, her words carrying the wisdom of experience. “But fear not, you’re in good hands… I’m right here with you.”
With those comforting words echoing in her mind, Rukhsana took a deep breath and gripped the handlebars tightly. As she eased the throttle forward, she could feel the bike respond beneath her, each movement a delicate dance between fear and determination. With every turn of the wheel, she pushed past her doubts and embraced the exhilaration of the open road.
Days turned into weeks, and Rukhsana’s journey continued. With each passing day, her confidence grew, her movements becoming more fluid and assured.
The rollercoaster of emotions she had felt on that first day—fear, excitement, and unwavering determination—slowly gave way to a sense of mastery.
And then, one day, it happened. With a graceful twist of the throttle and a steady hand, Rukhsana executed a flawless maneuver, gliding effortlessly through the training course. In that moment, she realized that she had finally mastered the art of maneuvering her bike with finesse, her journey from uncertainty to mastery complete.
Nishtar Park, the oldest park in Karachi, has recently transformed into a hub for training female vaccinators from various districts of the city. These women are receiving specialized instruction in motorcycle riding. This initiative has been made possible through a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Sindh Health Department, which has provided 55 Scooties to female health workers. This endeavor aims to enhance vaccination coverage, particularly in underserved communities.
Dr. Muhammad Naeem Rajput, the Project Director of the Expanded Program on Immunizing (EPI) Sindh, sheds light on the training and distribution of Scooties.
He emphasizes the tailored training provided by experienced instructors, who draw from their expertise in providing ‘dumper training’ to female drivers in Tharparkar district. This training instills confidence in vaccinators to navigate the city’s bustling streets safely.
Dr. Naeem takes pride in Pakistan’s pioneering role in South East Asia with this initiative. He underscores the importance of prioritizing the mobility and safety of vaccinators, which not only extends healthcare services to remote regions but also promotes women’s empowerment. The provision of helmets, health insurance, and fuel further underscores the commitment to sustainability.
The provision of Scooties marks a significant step in empowering female vaccinators and enhancing the positive image of Sindh and the nation. These Scooties, branded with EPI messages, serve as mobile publicity and signify a milestone in Pakistan’s healthcare initiatives.
Ms. Nourin Farhan, the Training Partner and Project Lead, echoes the sentiment of increased immunization coverage through this initiative. She emphasizes the positive impact of specialized training for EPI vaccinators and their ability to reach children effectively, thereby bringing about lasting positive change in community health.
