An Inspiring Hero: Ilham Prevents Polio and Other Diseases Through Hygiene
Paktika, Afghanistan – On a sunny afternoon, Jamaluddin Ilham gathers dozens of villagers in a remote area of Sharan city, Paktika province, using infographics to raise awareness.
Despite the visible fatigue on the villagers’ faces from their daily labor, they listen attentively to Ilham. He speaks with a gentle but firm voice, emphasizing the importance of handwashing, drinking clean water, and keeping homes and the environment clean. His goal is simple yet valuable: “To protect the community from polio and other infectious diseases by practicing good hygiene.”
On a sunny afternoon, Jamaluddin Ilham gathers dozens of villagers in a remote area of Sharan City, Paktika province, using infographics to raise awareness. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Rahmatullah Marjankhil
A Life-Changing Mobilizer
35-year-old Jamaluddin Ilham is an educated man who graduated from Paktika University with a degree in English literature.
His career is not only professionally significant but also a source of inspiration for others on a personal level.
He works in the health sector with an organization called CLTF, where he serves as a health and hygiene mobilizer.
Ilham views his work as more than just raising awareness; he sees it as a profound effort to improve the lives of the community.
When among the villagers, he resembles a kind and professional teacher whose messages go beyond mere listening, he actively inspires people to practice cleanliness in their daily lives.
He always tells people, “Cleanliness is the foundation of health. It prevents infectious diseases, enhances quality of life, and plays a crucial role in building a healthy society.”
He always tells people, “Cleanliness is the foundation of health. It prevents infectious diseases, enhances quality of life, and plays a crucial role in building a healthy society.” © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Rahmatullah Marjankhil
The Image of Hygiene in Paktika’s Village
In areas where access to healthcare is limited, promoting hygiene requires the dedication of individuals like Jamaluddin.
Around the villages in Sharan, the simple structures of homes—many made of mud and stone—reflect the harshness of the villagers’ lives.
Children play in barren fields, clean water is scarce, and proper sanitation facilities are lacking, all of which pose significant challenges to basic hygiene principles.
However, Jamaluddin views these challenges as opportunities and explains the importance of hygiene to the villagers in simple terms: “When you wash your hands with water and soap before eating and after using the toilet, you protect yourself from polio and many other dangerous diseases.”
His words plant the seeds of new thinking in the minds of the villagers.
The Impact of Ilham’s Efforts on People’s Lives
38-year-old Abdul Bari, who lives in a modest home in Yusufkhel district, expresses his gratitude for Ilham’s efforts, saying, “Since Jamaluddin introduced us to hygiene principles, we have consistently followed these practices. Our children now get sick far less often, and we feel that our lives have genuinely improved.”
Jamaluddin’s work is not just about spreading information and awareness; he has made a visible change in the daily lives of the villagers.
“Now, family members regularly wash their hands, drink clean water, and maintain the cleanliness of our home and surroundings, all thanks to Jamaluddin’s guidance and efforts,” Abdul Bari adds.
38-year-old Abdul Bari, who lives in a modest home in Yusufkhel district, expresses his gratitude for Ilham’s efforts, saying, “Since Jamaluddin taught us the principles of hygiene, our family has adhered to these practices. Our children now get sick far less often, and we feel that our lives have genuinely improved.” © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Rahmatullah Marjankhil
Doctors’ Advice: Prevention and Cleanliness, Two Strong Shields Against Disease
Dr. Eid Mohammad Ghafari, a pediatrician at a private hospital in Sharan, endorses Jamaluddin Ilham’s efforts and acknowledges the positive impact of hygiene practices, stating, “Though vaccines are the most effective means of preventing polio, maintaining good hygiene can also help prevent this and many other infectious diseases.”
He also warns about the challenges regarding vaccination in this province, particularly in remote areas, adding, “Many families do not administer polio and other childhood vaccines to their children, which is a major mistake. However, if they maintain a clean environment, wash their hands regularly, drink clean water, and use proper sanitation, they can prevent the spread of numerous diseases.”
Dr. Eid Mohammad Ghafari, a pediatrician at a private hospital in Sharan, endorses Jamaluddin Ilham’s efforts and acknowledges the positive impact of hygiene practices, stating, “While vaccines are the strongest tool for preventing polio, adhering to hygiene standards can also help prevent this and many other viral diseases.” © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Rahmatullah Marjankhil
Conclusion
There is no doubt that through his work and dedication, Jamaluddin Ilham is bringing valuable change to the community, encouraging people to prevent polio and other dangerous infectious diseases.
Health activists and mobilizers like him are the torchbearers of hope, guiding the nation toward a healthier and safer future.
By Rahmatullah Marjankhel, Polio Free Afghanistan
