Herat Regional Hospital: A Stronghold in Saving Children from Polio
Herat, Afghanistan — On a typical day at the Herat Regional Hospital’s vaccination section, the air is filled with the sounds of children crying and laughing. In a relatively spacious hall, mothers sit on chairs arranged along three sides, waiting with their children. This hall sees the daily arrival of more than 100 children under the age of five, between 8 AM and 2 PM.
This section is regarded as the heart of the fight against the poliovirus, and every vaccine administered here is a crucial step toward protecting a child from permanent paralysis.
Khumari Khairy, a 27-year-old vaccinator, patiently and meticulously administers vaccines to each child. With a warm smile, she shares, “Every day, we vaccinate more than a hundred children, but this is more than just a vaccine—it’s a life-saving act for these children.”
Khumari is one of the three diligent vaccinators in this section who continuously engage with families, not only administering vaccines but also educating mothers about their importance.
Working alongside Khumari is 24-year-old Mozhgan Azizi, another vaccinator who also assists mothers and children. She highlights the impact of raising awareness among mothers about the significance of polio vaccines: “Many of the mothers who bring their children here for vaccination are educated and well aware of the benefits of the polio vaccine and the dangers of the virus.”
Azizi believes that this awareness can create a chain of education and empowerment among women.
“These mothers also spread awareness to other women in their neighborhoods about how essential vaccines are. This initiative has helped increase vaccine coverage in various areas,” she adds.
Herat Regional Hospital: A Stronghold in Saving Children from Polio © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Marzia Frotan
Dr. Abdul Sami Raouf, the head of the vaccination section at Herat Regional Hospital, commends the efforts of the female vaccinators, noting that they are on the frontlines of the fight against polio and have succeeded in saving thousands of children from permanent paralysis.
“The vaccination section is one of the most active departments of Herat Regional Hospital. Every day, the vaccinators here patiently and diligently vaccinate children, ensuring that no child misses out on this vital process,” he said.
According to Dr. Raouf, the section has an adequate supply of polio vaccines, and there are no obstacles or limitations in vaccinating the children.
A Mother’s Story: Vaccination as a Strong Shield
Ziyagul, a 32-year-old mother, regularly brings her child to the hospital for vaccinations. Holding the hand of her three-year-old son, she smiles and says, ” Since my son’s birth, I have always brought him here for vaccinations. The vaccines have kept him healthy, and he hasn’t fallen ill.”
Ziyagul continues, “My son has received all the necessary vaccines. Along with the polio vaccine, he’s been administered several others that have kept him protected from various diseases.”
For her, vaccinating her child is not just a maternal duty but a solid protective barrier that shields her son from illnesses.
“Every mother should vaccinate her children on time, like me, so they too can stay safe from diseases,” she says confidently.
Vaccinating children against the poliovirus is not only crucial for their individual health, but also vital for the health of the community. Even a small oversight can put many children’s lives at risk.
Every day, the polio vaccination section at Herat Regional Hospital stands as a stronghold against the virus, with the hope that no child will ever contract this disease, allowing all children to enjoy a healthy, polio-free life.
By Marzia Frotan, Polio Free Afghanistan
