A Volunteer, A Hope: Gul Ahmad Qadri’s Efforts to Eradicate Polio
Kabul, Afghanistan – Gul Ahmad Qadari, a young man from the village of Bektut in Kabul’s Paghman district, has been serving as a volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns for the past five years.
At 28 years old, with a bachelor’s degree, Qadari fights against polio with dedication and sincerity to create a safe future for the children of the country.
Initially, he was unemployed and searching for a job, but once he joined the polio vaccination campaign, he developed a deep commitment to it, viewing it as a significant responsibility.
“When I started working as a volunteer in the polio vaccination campaign, I initially saw it as a way to address my financial issues. But later, I realized that it was not just a job—it was a fight to protect the future generation of our country,” he said.
He added that his sole aim now is to protect the children of the country from polio, and he works tirelessly to ensure that no child misses vaccination.
“Every time I vaccinate a child, I feel as though I’ve saved a life. I don’t want the children of my country to suffer from polio and become paralyzed. I want them to live healthy lives, get an education, and reach their dreams,” Qadari Said.
Gul Ahmad Qadari, a young man from the village of Bektut in Kabul’s Paghman district, has been serving as a volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns for the past five years. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2024/ Hosai Ahmadzai
Due to his sense of compassion and commitment, he has gained popularity among the people of the area. This has led people not only to trust him but also to support him in every campaign.
He says that in some rural areas, misconceptions have caused doubts and concerns about the polio vaccine. However, he has consistently worked to dispel their fears and misunderstandings.
“Sometimes, while working, I encounter families with harsh attitudes. They have, in fact, fallen victim to misinformation and believe that the polio vaccine harms children. But when I speak to them clearly and provide accurate information, they readily agree to vaccinate their children,” he said.
According to him, volunteer work requires a great deal of patience. “As volunteers, we must be highly tolerant. Regardless of any opposition we face, we must respectfully communicate the facts. In this way, we can convince them to make important decisions for their children’s health.”
Gul Ahmad Qadri believes that if the efforts of volunteers and the cooperation of villagers continue, Afghanistan will one day be free from this deadly disease. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2024/ Hosai Ahmadzai
The Views of Locals
The residents of Bektut village commend the efforts of Gul Ahmad Qadri as a polio vaccination volunteer, saying that his and his fellow volunteers’ dedication has protected their children from polio.
Jamil, a 35-year-old father of four, said, “Gul Ahmad is, in essence, a servant of the village, a servant of children’s health. When the polio vaccination campaign begins, people eagerly await his arrival to vaccinate their children.”
Kareemullah Kaka, an elder of the area and grandfather of ten, also appreciates Gul Ahmad’s volunteer efforts.
He said he feels reassured about the health of his grandchildren with Gul Ahmad around: “Even if we are not at home, we know that Gul Ahmad will vaccinate our children. He loves all the village children as if they were his own family members. My hope is that he and other volunteers continue their service so that polio can be eradicated from the country,” he added.
A Path and a Great Hope
Gul Ahmad Qadri believes that if the efforts of volunteers and the cooperation of villagers continue, Afghanistan will one day be free from this deadly disease.
Overall, Qadri and thousands of volunteers like him not only administer polio vaccine drops to children across the country but also serve as role models in community service.
Hosai Ahmadzai, Polio Free Afghanistan
