Ambassador of trust and commitment: Mohammad Siraj’s efforts to protect children’s health in Kunar
Kunar, Afghanistan – In Asadabad, nestled at the foot of Kunar’s mountains, life goes on as usual, with people busy with in daily routines. But behind this ordinary rhythm, a quiet struggle continues: protecting children from the threats of polio and measles.
Here, dedicated young men work every day to protect children’s lives. Mohammad Siraj is one of them. He not only administers vaccines but also helps build trust and raise awareness in the community.
Siraj has been working in polio and measles vaccination campaigns as a volunteer and vaccinator for nearly nine years. For him, this work is not just about giving vaccines-it is about protecting children’s futures.
“Each campaign is not just routine work; it is a vital step toward safeguarding children’s futures,” he says.
Daily mission
During campaign days, Siraj prepares each morning with unwavering commitment. At sunrise, he hoists the vaccine carrier onto his shoulder and, together with his team, makes his way to every neighborhood in his assigned area. His work is not limited to just administering vaccines. He listens to families’ questions, responds to their concerns, and works to share clear, simple information about the benefits of vaccination.
Siraj believes that gaining every family’s trust is the most critical measure of success because accepting vaccination is a decision that protects a child’s future.
In this regard, he also meets families who hesitate to vaccinate because of misinformation and rumors. Sometimes, he says, just a few minutes of conversation can persuade a family; and one family’s decision can, in turn, shift the attitude of an entire village.
Mohammad Siraj administers the measles vaccine to a child. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
Trust-Building
Siraj recalls a story from the field: “One day during a campaign, I went to a remote area. There, a family had serious doubts about vaccination. The mother of the household was worried because of misinformation, and she feared the vaccine might harm her children. I spoke with her at length, explained the risks of polio and measles with examples, and patiently answered her questions.”
“I told the mother that these two drops are not only for a child’s health, but also for their hopes, education, and future,” Siraj says.
Afterwards, she was convinced. Her children were vaccinated, but the story did not end there. That same woman went on to become a supporter of vaccination herself, reassuring other families and encouraging them to vaccinate their children.
Siraj calls the moment a living example of trust-building and patience. He says that when one family comes to trust the vaccine, the path to change can open for the entire community.
Mohammad Siraj not only administers vaccines but also raises awareness. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
Community Support: A Key Pillar of Success
For Siraj, effective communication with families, coordination with community elders, and adapting to the local context are integral to the work.
That is why, alongside raising parents’ awareness, he sees the engagement of religious scholars, the support of community elders, and a shared sense of responsibility as essential. In his view, when leaders lend support and people receive accurate information, doubt gives way to trust.
“Every time I vaccinate a child, it feels like I’m opening a new door to life for them. This isn’t just a job; it’s a responsibility and a service,” Siraj says.
The efforts of field workers like Siraj are not measured only in stories and moments; over time, their impact is also reflected in vaccination acceptance and coverage figures.
The Visible Impact of Service
According to data from Kunar’s health authorities, polio vaccine coverage has increased significantly in areas where volunteers and vaccinators like Mohammad Siraj are active. Around 95% of families accept vaccination, and the refusal rate has fallen to 5% in recent years.
This change reflects sustained awareness-raising, the support of religious and community leaders, and the tireless commitment of volunteers.
These figures paint a picture of progress, but behind them are the steady efforts of field workers like Siraj—people who step into every campaign with renewed determination and a strong sense of responsibility.
A Symbol of Hope for Thousands of Children
Mohammad Siraj is a young man from Kunar who has become a symbol of hope and trust for thousands of children. He neither tires nor gives up. He comes to every campaign with renewed determination, fresh commitment, and new hope. For him, every child’s health is as precious as his own life.
Siraj’s story shows that the fight against polio is not only about administering vaccines; it is a collective social effort built on trust, awareness, and human commitment. It also demonstrates that children’s health and the future of communities can be protected through honesty, service, and sustained effort.
In closing, Mohammad Siraj calls on all families to take part in polio and measles eradication campaigns and ensure their children are vaccinated, because every child has the right to a safe future.
