The Power of Vaccines: Efforts to Build a Safe Future for Children

Ghazni, Afghanistan – Abdul Basit, a 28-year-old resident of Qarabagh district in Ghazni province, lives in the Ghaib Qalandar area of the provincial capital. Every morning at sunrise, he walks five kilometers to reach the health center in the Pashtunabad area.

He works as a vaccinator at this health center, immunizing children brought from various regions against polio and other dangerous infectious diseases.

Abdul Basit, who holds a bachelor’s degree and has also completed a two-year nursing program, says he has been committed to this noble mission of community health for the past three years.

“I am proud to serve as a vaccinator, working to prevent polio and other dangerous infectious diseases. I want the future of our community—our children—to live healthy lives and have a safe future,” he says.

 

Community Awareness: A Glimpse of Change

Abdul Basit, who is also the father of three children, notes that parents’ awareness has significantly improved compared to the past, and an increasing number of children are being brought to the health center for vaccinations.

“Now parents pay much more attention to their children’s health. Alongside other vaccines, children are also brought here for polio immunization. Most of these children are those who have missed the polio vaccine during vaccination campaigns,” he explains.

According to him, the health center vaccinates 15 to 20 children daily against polio and other infectious diseases.

“In addition to vaccinating children, I also fulfill another important mission: I ask every family that comes here to encourage other families in their neighborhood to bring their children to this health center for vaccinations,” he added.

 

Abdul Basit works as a vaccinator at this health center, immunizing children brought from various regions against polio and other dangerous infectious diseases. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Rahmatullah Marjankhil

 

The Consequences of Negligence

Abdul Basit laments that, unfortunately, some families in the community still neglect their children’s health and future, which can have adverse effects not only on them but on the entire community.

“Families that do not vaccinate their children, especially against polio, jeopardize not only their own children’s health but also the health of other children. A single infected child can spread the disease to as many as 200 other children,” he stated.

He believes it is his responsibility, as well as that of every member of the community, to educate people on this important issue and prevent its recurrence.

 

Health Centers: Ensuring a Safe Future for Children

Haji Hazrat Mohammad, a 53-year-old tribal leader in Pashtunabad, praises Abdul Basit and the vaccination services provided by the health center’s vaccination department. He remarked, “The presence of this health center, offering not only treatment but also vaccination services, is a significant achievement. People must take advantage of these services to secure their children’s future by bringing them here for polio and other immunizations.”

Similarly, another resident of the area, Ghulam Nabi, acknowledges the critical role this health center and its staff have played in improving children’s health.

“If every family brings their children to this health center for vaccination, we can protect the future of our community from potential threats. It is our collective responsibility to create a healthy and safe environment where every child can live a happy and healthy life,” he stated.

 

Abdul Basit works as a true servant of his community, striving to shield children from the devastating consequences of polio and other infectious diseases. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Rahmatullah Marjankhil

 

Hope for the Future

Abdul Basit firmly believes that increasing public awareness can save Afghanistan from the threat of polio.

“Although polio has been eradicated in many countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two nations where this virus still threatens children. It is our responsibility to take advantage of vaccination campaigns and health centers to protect the next generation,” he stated.

Abdul Basit works as a true servant of his community, striving to shield children from the devastating consequences of polio and other infectious diseases.

Afghanistan needs the tireless efforts of young individuals like Abdul Basit to eliminate polio and other dangerous diseases. He serves as a living example of how practical work can build a bright future for the community.

Rahmatullah Marjankhil, Polio Free Afghanistan