Joint Efforts of Mothers, Health Workers, and the Community in the Fight Against Polio
Raqiba Hamidi
Badakhshan, Afghanistan – Vaccination is one of the most effective methods in combating viral and contagious diseases like polio, which still poses a serious threat to children’s health.
In areas where access to healthcare services is limited, local health centers play a critical role in providing vaccination and treatment services.
On a hot and sunny day, mothers with their young children are lined up at the vaccination department of a health center in the 4th district of Faizabad city, Badakhshan, waiting to have their children immunized against polio.
Thirty-eight-year-old Robina has come to this health center with her two children, five-year-old Nasir and three-year-old Samira, from the village of Khairabad.
Having visited the health center once each month, she says, “When there were no health centers here, other mothers and I had to travel for hours to reach one. But now, this center, which has opened near our homes, offers both vaccination and treatment services.”
She believes that vaccination plays a vital role in both individual and community health.
Qamar Sharifi, who works as a vaccinator at the health center, says that she vaccinates 40 to 50 children every day © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Raqiba Hamidi
Robina emphasizes the importance of vaccination, stating, “I never wait for a polio vaccination campaign. For me, the health of the children is a priority, which is why I regularly bring them to this health center for vaccinations.”
She urges mothers not to wait for the polio vaccination campaign but to take all their children under five years of age to the nearest health center for vaccination every month.
Thirty-five-year-old Mazhgan has come from the village of Chata to this health center to immunize her four-year-old son against polio.
She says, “Before this health center existed, I was constantly worried about my son’s health, and I had to wait for vaccination campaigns.”
However, with the center now in operation, Mazhgan says that people have access to both treatment and vaccination services to prevent diseases like polio.
The director of the health center, Dr. Mohibullah Salih, says: “This health center was established in 2008 and has been providing both treatment and vaccination services since then.”
He adds that every day, more than 40 children from nearby villages are brought to this health center solely for vaccinations.
Dr. Salih also emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among parents, stating that in addition to vaccinating children, they also educate the parents on the importance of vaccines and the dangers of diseases like polio.
As the director of the health center, Dr. Salih is pleased to play an important role in preventing polio. He has a message for parents: “Polio is a dangerous and paralyzing disease. Vaccinate your children on time to protect them from contracting it.”
On a hot and sunny day, mothers with their young children are lined up at the vaccination department of a health center in the 4th district of Faizabad city, Badakhshan, waiting to have their children immunized against polio © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Raqiba Hamidi
Qamar Sharifi, who works as a vaccinator at the center, says that she vaccinates 40 to 50 children every day.
According to her, most visitors are mothers who come from nearby and distant villages to vaccinate their children against polio and other dangerous diseases.
She takes pride in her work, stating: “I’m happy to work here from morning until evening as a vaccinator. Vaccination is crucial; it protects children from dangerous diseases.”
Sharifi urges parents not to wait for campaigns but to bring their children to the center regularly for vaccinations.
It is worth noting that health centers, by providing treatment and vaccination services, have played a significant role in the health of the community.
Parents should seize these opportunities to protect their children from polio and other dangerous diseases.
