A Disabled Father’s Painful Life Due to Polio
Kandahar, Afghanistan – Toryalai, a 40-year-old resident of the Zhere district in Kandahar province, is currently a watchman in a building in Kandahar city.
He became disabled due to not receiving the polio vaccine in his childhood and now faces numerous physical and social challenges.
Toryalai says he was six years old when he missed the vaccination due to his family’s negligence and contracted polio, which resulted in paralysis of his right arm and leg.
He, whose face visibly displayed pain and frustration, added, “Our family believed that vaccines harm children, while in reality, vaccination could have prevented a lifelong disability for an individual.”
He mentioned at that time that, due to the ongoing wars and insecurity in the country, people did not even have access to healthcare services, so they hardly considered vaccination to be important.
He, who suffers from the numerous economic difficulties caused by the disability resulting from polio, states that the disease has robbed him of significant opportunities in life. If he had been vaccinated in childhood, he believes he would have been able to provide a better life for his children today.
Forty-year-old Toryalai, a father of eight, became disabled due to not receiving the polio vaccine during his childhood and is now facing numerous physical and social challenges © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Saeed Zabuli
He also complains about the negative behavior of people in society, stating, “No one has extended a helping hand to me; I have been left to face these challenges alone by my family and friends. Now, I work as a disabled person to support my children.”
Toryalai, who currently works as a watchman in a building in Kandahar city, states, “I receive a monthly salary of 6,000 Afghanis, but this salary cannot meet my family’s needs, which is why my life is fraught with hardships and challenges.”
He says, “My struggle with disability is not just physical; I also face psychological and social pressures. Some people call me ‘cripple,’ and this kind of treatment from others only adds to my suffering and makes me feel isolated.”
He, who is the father of eight children, has deep concerns about his children’s education and future, saying: “My children are left uneducated because I have economic difficulties. If I were not disabled and had a normal life like other people, I would certainly have sent my children to school.”
He, who is distressed by this situation, says: “I hope that some charity organization or NGO will help me with my children’s education so that they can learn and have a bright future.”
Toryalai, who now recognizes the value of the polio vaccine, tells people in his message that no child should be deprived of this vaccine.
Toryalai says he was six years old when he missed the vaccination due to his family’s negligence and contracted polio, which resulted in paralysis of his right arm and leg © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Saeed Zabuli
He says: “My life is a good example for people; if they want to protect their children’s future from such problems, they should administer the polio vaccine without delay.”
Toryalai’s relative, Abdul Razzaq, says that in the past, people had very limited knowledge about polio and public, awareness was low. On the other hand, people were moving from their homes to other areas due to wars and insecurity.
He adds that these were the reasons why Toryalai’s family was unable to vaccinate him during his childhood, resulting in his contracting polio and becoming dependent on others for assistance for life.
He said that Toryalai is now struggling with numerous challenges; if he had not contracted polio and become disabled, he would be living a normal life like other people.
He adds, “The polio vaccine is very important; no parent should neglect this matter. Otherwise, their children may contract this dangerous disease and become dependent on others for the rest of their lives.”
Toryalai’s desperate life vividly illustrates the realities of family neglect, societal indifference, and the disability caused by polio, which has subjected him to numerous hardships.
To protect the new generation from such suffering, it is essential to increase awareness about the importance of the polio vaccine.
Additionally, support and cooperation with the victims of polio in the community should be encouraged so that they can stand on their own two feet and ensure a better life for their children.
By Saeed Zabuli, Polio Free Afghanistan
