Waheeda Shams: A Brave Woman Saving Children from Polio
Raqiba Hamidi
Kunduz, Afghanistan – Waheeda Shams, a 23-year-old resident of Kunduz City’s 1st district, has become a significant figure in the polio vaccination campaign due to her resilience and strong determination. Through her tireless efforts, she has contributed to the health of children in her community and protected the future generation of the country from disability by administering polio vaccines.
Motivation
Waheeda completed her primary education at Khwaja Mashhad High School in Kunduz and earned her bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Law and Political Science at Takhar University. For the past year, she has been working as a volunteer in the polio vaccination campaign in this province.
Every morning at eight o’clock, Waheeda carries the green vaccine box on her shoulder and sets out to go door-to-door in her designated area to vaccinate children. She vaccinates between 150 to 187 children daily.
Waheeda says, “My motivation for working in the polio eradication program is to see Afghanistan free from polio. I do not want any child in my country to suffer from polio and become dependent on others.”
Challenges and Efforts
One of the major challenges Waheeda faces is the lack of support from her family for her work and activities. Despite her family’s disapproval of her involvement in the polio vaccination campaign, Waheeda continues her work with strong determination and high spirits.
Waheeda says, “My motivation for working in the polio eradication program is to see Afghanistan free from polio. I do not want any child in my country to suffer from polio and become dependent on others.” © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Raqiba Hamidi
Broad Impact on the Community
Waheeda’s activities in the polio vaccination campaign have had a significant impact on the local community where she lives. Her efforts have greatly contributed to improving children’s health and preventing polio in the area. Waheeda has successfully increased awareness and trust regarding the vaccine among the people, alongside administering polio vaccines to children under five years old.
One of her most significant achievements is increasing women’s participation in social and health activities. As an educated woman working in the polio vaccination campaign, she inspires other women in Kunduz.
Raising Public Awareness
Waheeda states, “Previously, many families refrained from vaccinating their children against polio due to a lack of information or incorrect beliefs. I engage directly with such families and provide accurate information to help them understand the importance of the vaccine and convince them to take action for their children’s health.”
Hope for the Future
Waheeda’s experiences in the polio vaccination campaign have given her the opportunity to become familiar with various challenges in administering the polio vaccine to children and to enhance her skills in this field. She remains hopeful for the future and aims to continue her activities to improve the health of children in her community.
Waheeda says, “Vaccinating children is very important and crucial. We must take advantage of this opportunity to prevent diseases that can be avoided through vaccination.”
Waheeda states, “Previously, many families refrained from vaccinating their children against polio due to a lack of information or incorrect beliefs. I engage directly with such families and provide accurate information to help them understand the importance of the vaccine and convince them to take action for their children’s health.” © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Raqiba Hamidi
The Voice of the Community
Nargis, a resident of Kunduz City’s 1st district, says, “If it weren’t for Waheeda and dozens of other vaccinators like her, the lives of our children would have been severely affected by polio. I am glad that the innocent children of the country are being immunized against this dangerous disease and are being saved from disability.”
A four-and-a-half-year-old child named Shoaibullah, who received the polio vaccine, says, “My parents told me that the vaccine is important for my health and that I should get vaccinated. After getting the vaccine, I feel no pain, feel good, and can play a lot with my friends.”
Waheeda Shams’ activities are an inspiring example of the continuous efforts of Afghan women to improve health conditions in their communities. With the continuation of her efforts and public support, there is hope that Afghanistan will achieve a polio-free future.
