Mohibullah Rashidi’s Efforts in Delivering Polio Vaccines to Children

Rahmatullah Marjankhil

Ghazni, Afghanistan – Mohibullah Rashidi, carrying a polio vaccine carrier box on his shoulder, is busy vaccinating nomad children on the outskirts of Ghazni city.

This dedicated young man, around 29 years old, holds a degree in English literature from Ghazni University but has been working in polio vaccination campaigns for the past 13 years out of a sense of duty.

Having started as a vaccinator, Rashidi has since progressed to become a cluster supervisor. Together with his team, he vaccinates approximately 3,500 children from 1,700 households during each polio campaign.

 

The Journey of Volunteerism and Responsibilities

During the four-day polio campaigns, Mohibullah arrives at the Pashtun Abad Health Center in Ghazni around 8 a.m., where he provides essential instructions to his team.

His team comprises four mobile units, each equipped with a vaccine carrier box and a logbook to track their work, ensuring that every child in their designated areas receives the polio vaccine.

For Mohibullah, delivering the polio vaccine to every child is crucial, as he knows that leaving even one unvaccinated could endanger the entire community.

 

Mohibullah Rashidi, carrying a polio vaccine carrier box on his shoulder, is busy vaccinating nomad children on the outskirts of Ghazni city © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Rahmatullah Marjankhil

 

He said that if a child is left unvaccinated and, God forbid, contracts polio, they could spread the virus to others.

He believes it is essential that the polio vaccine reaches every last child, ensuring that no one is left unvaccinated.

“There are different kinds of people in society, and some who are misled by misinformation do not vaccinate their children. However, we explain the dangers of polio and the benefits of vaccination to them, convincing them to protect their children through vaccination,” he says.

He cited the nomads living in Ghazni as an example; many of whom initially refused to have their children vaccinated. However, thanks to the persistent awareness efforts of Mohibullah and his team, they eventually agreed to have their children vaccinated.

Mohibullah and his colleagues have pledged not only to deliver polio vaccines to children but also to focus on persuading those who refuse vaccination.

He says their goal is to engage in close dialogue with such individuals, provide them with accurate information about the polio vaccine, and change their mindsets.

He urges people to ensure their children receive all essential childhood vaccinations, including the polio vaccine, to safeguard them against serious infectious diseases.

He adds that if children contract polio, it doesn’t just affect them; it also impacts the family and community, leading to various harms, including health, economic, social, educational, and psychological damages

 

Rashidi cited the nomads living in Ghazni as an example; many of whom initially refused to have their children vaccinated. However, thanks to the persistent awareness efforts of Mohibullah and his team, they eventually agreed to have their children vaccinated © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Rahmatullah Marjankhil

 

Rashidi’s colleague, Ehsanullah, who has been working alongside him in the fight against polio, says that he is happy to be part of such a great cause because he knows how important every child’s life is.

Ehsanullah adds that when he vaccinates children, he sees the future of the country reflected in their innocent faces. For him, this work transcends being merely a job; it is a profound social responsibility.

His greatest hope is that society will be free from polio and that future generations will grow up healthy and strong.

Shah Wali, a community elder in Ghazni, states, “Mohibullah and his colleagues have been working in our area with great dedication for years. They not only ensure that every child receives the polio vaccine but also provide essential awareness to families.”

He adds that in their community, there are no families who refuse to vaccinate their children, thanks to the tireless efforts of Rashidi and other dedicated young individuals like him.