Nawab Khan’s Triumph: Fighting Polio and Embarking on a New Life Path

Paktika, Afghanistan – 32-year-old Nawab Khan Ehsan, a resident of Zmaray Kot village in the Yusuf Khel district of Paktika Province, contracted polio at the age of six months. This devastating illness altered the course of his life, burdening him with numerous physical limitations.

Nawab narrates the story of how he contracted polio, as told by his parents: “I was a six-month-old baby when I contracted polio. At that time, there were no polio vaccination campaigns in our area, and we had no access to healthcare services. As a result, I didn’t receive the vaccine and I contracted polio.”

He adds that his family did everything they could to treat his disability, taking him to numerous hospitals. Unfortunately, since polio has no cure, he was left permanently disabled.

With a deep sigh, he said: “Both my legs were paralyzed by polio, but over time, my right leg recovered by fifty percent, while my left leg remains completely paralyzed.”

Due to his disability, Nawab faced numerous challenges throughout his educational journey as mobility and other physical activities were difficult for him.

These difficulties not only caused him physical strain but also affected his mental well-being, as he relied on others for his daily activities, which also impacted his social standing.

 

32-year-old Nawab Khan Ehsan, a resident of Zmaray Kot village in the Yusuf Khel district of Paktika Province, contracted polio at the age of six months. This devastating illness altered the course of his life and left him facing numerous physical limitations © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Rahmatullah Marjankhil

 

Despite these challenges, Nawab, with the support of his family, persevered and completed his education at Nangarhar University’s Faculty of Education, demonstrating his strong will and self-confidence.

Nawab Khan, who is married to two wives and has three children, works hard to secure a better future for his family. He currently owns a tour and travel agency in the market of his district.

He states that although polio left him disabled and physically limited, he never lost his determination. He pursued his education and, thanks to that education, he is now the owner of a company, earning a livelihood for his family.

“The polio vaccine is the only way to safeguard children’s future. If I had been vaccinated as a child, my life would have been entirely different. I urge all families not to deprive their children of the polio vaccine. It’s a small step that can ensure a lifetime of health and happiness,” he adds.

Nawab Khan’s elder brother, Haji Zarif Khan, says that although his brother has been affected by polio, his strong determination and willpower helped him overcome the negative effects of the disease.

 

He states that although polio left him disabled and physically limited, he never lost his determination. He pursued his education and, thanks to that education, he is now the owner of a company, earning a livelihood for his family © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Rahmatullah Marjankhil

 

“When Nawab Khan contracted polio as a child, the whole family was worried for him. However, he went to school, then university, completed his education, and now owns a successful business,” he adds.

He calls on people never to neglect their children’s health, stressing that it’s the responsibility of every family to ensure their children receive all childhood vaccinations, including the polio vaccine, during their early years. Otherwise, their future may be filled with difficulties and hardships.

Nawab Khan’s close friend, Mohammad Yaseen, speaks about the inspiring aspect of his life: “Had Nawab Khan been vaccinated as a child, he would not have been disabled today. However, education opened new opportunities for him and mitigated the impact of his disability.”

The polio vaccine is a small but vital step in securing children’s future, which is why every parent has the responsibility of vaccinating their children on time.

Vaccines not only prevent polio but also ensure a healthy and prosperous future for

children.

Nawab Khan, having lived with the effects of this disease, urges people to never

deprive children of their right to vaccination so that future generations can be safe from the threat of polio.

 

By Rahmatullah Marjankhil, Polio Free Afghanistan