On Two Wheels: Breaking Barriers to Protect Every Child

Riding Toward Health Equity: A Vaccinator’s Journey in Kasur

In the bustling lanes of Kasur, Punjab, the sound of a motorbike signals more than just movement—it represents hope. At the handlebars is Saba Samuel, a determined vaccinator who has made it her mission to protect children from preventable diseases. With her vaccination kit strapped behind her, she navigates narrow streets and remote villages, ensuring no child is left behind.

Saba’s passion for healthcare began at home. Inspired by her father, who worked in the health department, and her sister, a nurse, she pursued a diploma in vaccination and joined the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). For her, immunization is more than a job—it’s a calling. “When you vaccinate a child, you are protecting their entire future,” she says with conviction.

Her work gained momentum through the Gavi-supported Big Catch-Up initiative with UNICEF, which targeted children who missed routine immunizations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across Punjab, this campaign reached over one million children, including more than 210,000 zero-dose children who had never received a single vaccine. For Saba, reaching these families meant overcoming barriers of distance and transport.

That’s where her motorbike became a game-changer. In a community where women riding motorbikes is rare, Saba broke stereotypes by learning to ride and securing her license. Her two wheels symbolize independence, access, and commitment. Families now recognize her not just as a vaccinator, but as a trusted ally in safeguarding their children’s health.

Building trust is central to her mission. As a member of a religious minority, she engages with local Imams and uses mosque announcements to inform families about vaccination sessions. She also sits with mothers, listens to their concerns, and explains the importance of vaccines in protecting their children. This personal approach has helped shift mindsets and inspire other women vaccinators to follow her lead.

Her daily routine is rigorous. Each morning, she reviews her micro plan, coordinates with Lady Health Workers, and maps out households where children need vaccines. By mid-morning, she is already visiting homes or setting up outreach sites, ensuring every child receives the doses they need. Every vaccination is carefully recorded to guarantee follow-up and continuity.

Saba’s persistence is changing lives and perceptions. Communities that once struggled with limited access now see their children vaccinated on time. Fellow health workers admire her courage, noting that she goes where others hesitate. Her story is proof that determination can overcome barriers and inspire change.

For Saba, the mission remains deeply personal: “Every child deserves protection. If I can reach even one child who would have otherwise been missed, that is enough reason for me to keep going.” As she rides through Kasur’s streets, her motorbike carries more than vaccines—it carries hope, resilience, and the promise of a healthier future for every child.