Mohammad Dawood and the Tragedy of His Polio-Induced Disability
Helmand, Afghanistan – Mohammad Dawood, a 33-year-old resident of Lashkargah city, Helmand province, pays the heavy price of his family’s past negligence every day, enduring the hardships of a disability caused by polio.
Dawood was only five years old when he contracted polio after failing to receive the vaccine, which permanently robbed him of mobility in his feet.
Moving with the aid of his wheelchair and a deep sadness etched on his face, he stated, “If my family had given me the polio vaccine as a child, I wouldn’t have contracted this miserable disease, and both of my legs would have been healthy.”
He adds that the challenges of living with a disability are ineffable; however, he has no choice but to endure them.
“In truth, I pay the price every day for my family’s negligence in not vaccinating me as a child, which led to my contracting polio. Since the day my legs became paralyzed, all my hopes in life have vanished,” Mohammad Dawood said.
His disability also deprived him of educational opportunities, casting a shadow over his future.
“My family was poor, and I had no one to take me to school every day, which is why I could not get an education,” he added.
Dawood was only five years old when he contracted polio after failing to receive the vaccine, which permanently robbed him of mobility in his feet © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Saeed Zabuli
Mohammad Dawood is married and a father of three, but he faces severe economic challenges. He is unable to work due to his disability and relies on assistance from others to meet his family’s needs.
He is deeply concerned about his children’s education and upbringing, stating, “Sometimes village elders and charitable organizations help us, but it’s not enough. I’m very worried about my children’s future. The government and aid organizations must support people with disabilities and ensure their children can get an education.”
Reflecting on his condition, Mohammad Dawood has a poignant message for society, particularly for parents: “Due to my parents’ negligence, I endure daily pain and suffering. I have paid the price for not receiving the polio vaccine with my own body. I urge all parents to reflect on their children’s future and ensure they receive all childhood vaccinations, including the polio vaccine, to prevent a fate like mine.”
He further added that if parents deprive their children of vaccines, they will face dire consequences. Polio doesn’t only destroy the future of the child, but it also ruins the future of the entire family and society.
Dawood stresses that parents must take responsible steps to ensure a secure future for their children.
Mohammad Dawood’s brother, Abdul Raziq, says that his brother’s condition affects the entire family, but they can do nothing for him except offer their sympathy.
“My brother has endured severe hardships for the past 28 years. I wish he had been vaccinated as a child and spared from this devastating disease,” Abdul Raziq says.
He also urges parents to vaccinate their children and protect them from polio. Do not let your children pay the price for your negligence and carelessness.
By Saeed Zabuli, Polio Free Afghanistan
