Zohal Faizi: A Tireless Figure in the Fight Against Polio

Takhar, Afghanistan – It’s a fresh morning in Taloqan city, the capital of Takhar province, with the scent of last night’s rain lingering in the air. Zohal Faizi, a brave vaccinator, begins another day in her relentless struggle against polio. Clad in a black hijab and carrying a vaccine box on her shoulder, she sets out to cover various parts of the city, starting from the first street along the riverbank.

Accompanied by her colleague, she aims to vaccinate all the children under five years of age in the area, safeguarding them against the deadly and paralyzing disease of polio.

Thousands of male and female volunteers like Zohal not only vaccinate children across the country during each polio campaign but also educate parents about the dangers of polio and the critical importance of vaccination.

Trained by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, these volunteers play a crucial role in the health of their community’s children and help bring about positive changes in polio prevention.

Nineteen-year-old Zohal, taking firm steps toward her goal, shared with a calm smile and confident voice, “I studied up to the 12th grade and always hoped to serve my community in some way. When I learned about the polio eradication program, I decided to become part of it to safeguard the children in my community from polio.”

 

Thousands of male and female volunteers like Zohal not only vaccinate children across the country during each polio campaign but also educate parents about the dangers of polio and the critical importance of vaccination. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Raqiba Hamidi

 

Having worked as a volunteer in the polio vaccination campaign for the past year, she adds that, as both a mother and a member of the community, she deeply understands how concerned families are about their children’s health.

She cites this understanding as one of her motivations for her work, stating that vaccinating each child not only protects that child but also shields the community from the risk of disability.

“The smiles and reassurance of families are the greatest gifts for me,” Zohal says.

Reflecting on her one-year experience and achievements, she mentions that during each polio vaccination campaign, she vaccinates more than 60 children a day. Moreover, she has successfully raised awareness among numerous families who previously refused to vaccinate their children.

She recounted the story of a mother named Anisa as an example, who had fallen prey to misinformation, believing that the polio vaccine could harm her children’s health.

“Anisa, a mother, had doubts that the polio vaccine might harm her child’s health in the future. I patiently listened to all her concerns and, once she finished speaking, gently explained the dangers of polio and the benefits of vaccination. When she understood the truth, she happily agreed to vaccinate her child,” she said.

Zohal has an important message for such families: “Your children are your life’s treasure. Vaccines can protect them from dangerous diseases. Do not let rumors and misinformation endanger your children’s lives.”

 

Trained by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, these volunteers play a crucial role in the health of their community’s children and help bring about positive changes in polio prevention. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Raqiba Hamidi

 

She adds that she hopes for the day when all families trust vaccination and regularly vaccinate their children so that the country can be free from this devastating disease.

Maryam, who works alongside Zohal in the polio vaccination campaign, speaks about her colleague’s efforts: “Zohal is a dedicated volunteer who not only vaccinates children but also educates families about the dangers of polio and the importance of the vaccine.”

She notes that every minute of the polio vaccination campaign holds value for Zohal, and she genuinely strives for the safe future of the community’s children. Due to this, family awareness has increased, and they now confidently vaccinate their children.

Anisa, the mother who agreed to vaccinate her child due to Zohal’s efforts, says, “Zohal provided excellent information about the importance of the polio vaccine and convinced me to regularly vaccinate my child. Now, I feel that I have made the right decision for my child’s healthy future.”

Sadiq, the elder of another family whose perception of the polio vaccine changed due to Zohal’s efforts, says, “Initially, I was afraid of the polio vaccine and thought it might be useless or even dangerous. But Zohal patiently and kindly informed me of the truth and alleviated my concerns. Now, I confidently vaccinate my children.”

He urges other families not to harbor unnecessary fears and to protect their children from polio with this simple step.

In conclusion, Zohal and thousands of volunteers like her are the true heroes of the polio vaccination campaigns, bringing the country closer to eradicating the polio virus with every step they take.

This is a struggle that will ultimately protect future generations from the threat of paralysis and lay the foundation for a healthy society.

Raqiba Hamidi, Polio Free Afghanistan