Every Child Matters
The Story of a Dedicated Vaccinator working in a remote area whose efforts have saved the lives of thousands of children.
Paktika, Kabul – The sun had not yet risen when Noorullah readied himself for the day’s work. As he stepped out of his home, his mother called after him: “My son, perform your duty with sincerity. You carry the great responsibility of safeguarding the future of children.”
With the vaccine carrier slung over his shoulder and his mother’s words still echoing in his ears, he set off toward the polio vaccination site.
From Experiences to Action
28-year-old Noorullah is one of the young men from Sharmat Khel village in Sharana, the central district of Paktika province, whose difficult childhood experiences have profoundly shaped his life choices.
“When I was a child, our village had no health center. Whenever someone fell ill, families were forced to travel for hours to take the patient to the city for treatment. But many, especially children, lost their lives along the way because of the harsh conditions. This situation gave me the inspiration that when I grew up, I had to take responsibility and play my part in improving the health of my people,” he recalls.
It was this very feeling that led Noorullah to join the polio vaccination campaigns. Today, he is among the dedicated and leading members of this effort. In every campaign, from early morning until evening, he brings vaccines to children in remote areas so they can be protected from the threat of this dangerous disease.
For him, every drop of vaccine carries the meaning of safeguarding the community’s future.
28-year-old Noorullah vaccinates children in Sharmat Khel village, Sharana, the central district of Paktika province. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
Challenges Along the Way
Noorullah’s work is never easy. He faces not only the fatigue of long, mountainous journeys, but also the obstacles created by people’s misconceptions.
Some families, influenced by misconceptions and rumors, refuse the vaccine. Yet in such situations, he never loses patience. He first respectfully listens to people’s concerns, then explains in simple words that the vaccine protects children’s lives and carries no harm.
His kind approach and heartfelt words often touch people’s hearts. Families who may have refused vaccination for years finally agree, with relief and joy, to have their children immunized.
Changing Mindsets
Thanks to Noorullah’s efforts, there has been a profound shift in mindsets among the residents of Sharmat Khel. As a result, thousands of children have been safeguarded from polio.
A local resident, Haji Lawang, shares his experience: “In the past, I was influenced by false information and rumors. But when Noorullah and his colleagues provided me with accurate information about the dangers of polio and the importance of vaccination, my mindset changed.”
He proudly says he is grateful to have realized the truth before it was too late. Now, in every campaign, he is the first to bring his children to the vaccination site, ensuring his family’s future is protected from polio.
A young girl receiving the polio vaccine © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
A Message of Hope
Noorullah believes that polio can be eradicated, but only if every single child is vaccinated.
“My hope is for all parents to understand that polio has no cure, and that prevention is only possible through vaccination,” he says.
He longs for the day when Afghanistan will finally be free from the threat of polio, and no child will ever be paralyzed again.
A Bright Path Forward
Noorullah’s life—transformed into a story of commitment and service—demonstrates how the sincerity and efforts of one person can help safeguard the future of thousands of children.
His mother’s words remain the inspiration behind his every step: “My son, perform your duty with sincerity. You carry the great responsibility of safeguarding the future of children.”
