Paralyzed Legs, Enlightened Mind: Niaz Mohammad’s Warning
“I don’t want a single child to go experience the pain I experience every day. Polio can be prevented — but it can never be undone.”
Kabul, Afghanistan – Niaz Mohammad is now 35 years old, but in truth, his life came to a halt 25 years ago, when polio paralyzed both his legs.
From Health to Disability – A Moment That Changed a Life
Niaz Mohammad grew up in Paktiakot, an area far from the hustle and bustle of Kabul city. As a child, he was active and intelligent. Going to school and playing with friends were a regular part of his life. But at the age of 10, he fell victim to a disease that would forever rob him of the chance to live a normal life.
“One day, I felt pain in my legs. I thought it was just a minor illness, but the pain kept getting worse with each passing day. Slowly, my legs began to go numb. My parents took me to several doctors — that’s when I found out I had been struck by polio.”
Niaz Mohammad is now 35 years old, but in truth, his life came to a halt 25 years ago, when polio paralyzed both his legs © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
A Life Bound to a Wheelchair
Niaz Mohammad now recalls every moment of his once-normal life as if it were a dream. “Saying goodbye to school and losing the chance to play and be with friends was deeply painful. Today, I even need help from others just to get a glass of water,” he says.
Niaz Mohammad’s brother, Hafizullah, says in a somber voice: “We never imagined that one small act of negligence would change our family’s life so drastically. I wish my brother could live an independent life like other young men.”
From Pain to Social Change
But Niaz Mohammad doesn’t tell his story as a tragedy alone. He has drawn a valuable lesson from his painful experience. Now, he navigates through the streets of his village every day, explaining the dangers of polio to others through his story and encouraging them to vaccinate their children.
Ibrahim Zhwandon, who leads the polio vaccination campaigns in the area, says, “Niaz Mohammad is a living example of awareness and resilience in our community. People listen to him and are quickly moved by his words, because he has suffered the pain of this disease himself.”
Niaz Mohammad’s friend, Abdul Rauf Mohammadi, says: “Whenever he talks about his past, tears come to his eyes. He always says, ‘I wish my parents had given me those two drops of polio vaccine when I was a child.’”
Niaz Mohammad now sees the fulfillment of his hopes in the health of other children. To him, the vaccination of each child feels like the realization of one of his own unfinished dreams.
Let us take inspiration from Niaz Mohammad’s story. A small action — giving your children just two drops of the polio vaccine in every campaign until the age of five — can protect them from lifelong disability © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
Economic Challenges and Family Support
In addition to his disability, economic hardship has made Niaz Mohammad’s life even more difficult. His parents have passed away, and now the full burden of his care falls on his brothers’ shoulders.
“Whatever my brothers earn, they share with me. They are the greatest treasure in my life.”
Despite everything, Niaz Mohammad remains mentally strong. Those close to him say that his words reflect a deep understanding of life. Even in life’s most difficult moments, he inspires others.
Niaz Mohammad’s Dream: Ending Polio
Through his painful experience, Niaz Mohammad now has a clear message for all Afghan parents: “My life is a warning to you. Polio has no cure, but just two drops of the vaccine can save your child from a fate like mine.”
Niaz Mohammad has transformed his pain into a message of hope and, through his tireless efforts and unwavering determination, has become a vital voice in the fight against polio.
Let us take inspiration from Niaz Mohammad’s story. A small action — giving your children just two drops of the polio vaccine in every campaign until the age of five — can protect them from lifelong disability.
