Mirzagul: A youth forced by polio to seek help from others
Saeed Zabulai
Helmand, Afghanistan – “I can’t work or earn a living because polio has paralyzed my right arm and leg. I need help from others for everything.”
These are the words of a 25-year-old resident of Loi village in the Nad-e- Ali district of Helmand province, who was infected with polio at the age of five.
This young man, named Mirzagul, leaned against the wall of his house. Sitting there, alone and filled with sadness, he confided, “I feel like the most powerless individual in the village. My disability prevents me from being of any help to anyone.”
He added that in addition to this, the economic situation of his family is precarious and he provides the household income through the small shop where his two younger brothers sell children’s toys and food.
He shares that his brothers, aged 6 and 8, work in the shop.
According to him, this shop cannot support his family. However, as he is the eldest son of his father and disabled, unable to work, he is forced to run this small shop.
“Mirzagal, a 25-year-old resident of Loi Village, Nad Ali District, Helmand Province, is paralyzed in his right hand and right leg due to polio, rendering him unable to work © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/ Saeed Zablai
Mirzagul attributes all his misfortune to polio and states that if he had been healthy, his life would not have been plagued by such profound suffering.
He expressed, “Had my parents not neglected me during my childhood and ensured I received vaccinations, I would not have contracted polio or faced disability. Instead, I would have enjoyed good health and strength. I could have pursued education and improved the lives of my entire family, including my own.”
He expressed regrettably that polio has deeply affected his life, leaving him reliant on others for assistance in everything.
Concerned about his future, he added, “I have not married yet, and I don’t expect to. Consider this: when you are disabled on one hand and poor on the other, will anyone marry you?”
Polio-stricken Mirzagul, talking about the trials and hardships of his life in front of his small shop. © Polio-Free Afghanistan/2024/ Saeed Zablai
Observing the challenges in his own life, Mirzagal implores parents not to burden their children with similar hardships and suffering. Instead, he asks them to prioritize their children’s health and secure future. Administering the polio vaccine can safeguard them from this crippling and deadly illness.
Rahmatullah, a neighbor of Mirzagul, has witnessed the multitude of hardships and economic challenges Mirzagul faces due to his polio-induced disability.
He adds that unfortunately, polio has no cure, it can only be prevented through vaccination. Parents should vaccinate their children and save them from the risk of death and disability.
As per his perspective, polio not only causes disability but also leads to other misfortunes. Individuals afflicted by this disease are deprived of education, work, and meaningful activities. Consequently, they become a burden on their families and society.
Dr. Salih Muhammad, a health worker, states that, regrettably, a significant number of individuals in our society have contracted polio due to family neglect and lack of vaccination, leading to a life filled with numerous challenges.
He emphasizes that it is the collective responsibility of every member of society to wholeheartedly support the polio vaccination campaign. By ensuring that the vaccine reaches every child, we can achieve the complete eradication of this perilous and paralyzing disease from our nation.
