The Beginning of a Healthy Future: When Families Trust Vaccination

Badakhshan, Afghanistan – A chilly and serene morning dawns in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan. The sky is bright and clear, and a gentle breeze flowing from the mountains keeps hope alive in people’s hearts.

On this promising day, the Badakhshan Provincial Hospital is welcoming families who have prioritized their children’s health.

In front of the vaccination department, long lines of mothers can be seen, holding their children in their arms or guiding them by the hand. Their eyes are filled with hope, and every single one of them has come for a vital purpose: to protect their children from polio and other preventable diseases.

 

An Inspiring Vaccinator

Karima Habibi, a 30-year-old dedicated vaccinator, greets mothers and children at the entrance of the hospital’s vaccination department, guiding them inside in turn. Having served in this hospital for the past eight years, she vaccinates hundreds of children daily.

“Since childhood, I dreamed of serving people. This passion is what led me to become a vaccinator,” Karima shares.

Her role goes beyond giving polio vaccines; she also administers vaccinations for measles, tetanus, hepatitis, whooping cough, COVID-19, and other diseases.

In addition, she educates mothers about the importance of health care and vaccinations, enabling them to better protect and care for their children.

“Unfortunately, some families are reluctant to accept vaccinations. However, when I see families prioritize their children’s health and bring them for vaccinations regularly, all my fatigue disappears,” Karima adds.

Her message to parents is simple yet profound: “Dedicate time to your children’s health and take them to health centers for vaccinations. This small yet vital act can ensure a brighter future for them.”

 

In front of the vaccination department, long lines of mothers can be seen, holding their children in their arms or guiding them by the hand. © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Raqiba Hamidi

 

Mothers Who Prioritize Their Children’s Health

Among the waiting mothers is Fatima, a 27-year-old woman with her three-year-old daughter Maryam. She has traveled from the village of Regi with the goal of vaccinating her daughter.

“The women in our neighborhood brought their children here for vaccinations, so I decided to join them and bring my daughter to this hospital to receive all the necessary vaccines, including polio,” Fatima explains.

She adds that polio vaccination campaigns are infrequent in her village, prompting her to undertake the long journey: “Maryam’s health and well-being are really important for me. I’ll endure any hardship to keep her safe.”

Another mother, 33-year-old Bahishta, has come from the village of Shorabak with her two-year-old son Yaseen.

She shares that Yaseen has already received polio vaccines twice during campaigns, but she found it essential to visit the health center to complete his vaccination schedule: “The long journey and travel expenses were truly challenging, but the hospital staff’s kindness and the free services have made all the difficulties worthwhile.”

 

Badakhshan Provincial Hospital: A Haven for Children’s Health

Dr. Shafiq Hamdard, the head of Badakhshan Provincial Hospital, proudly speaks about his team’s efforts: “This hospital, built by the support of UNICEF, provides free health services. The vaccination department is one of its most vital sections, playing a significant role in improving the health of children in the region.”

He emphasizes that raising parental awareness about the importance of vaccination is the key to the success of their services: “Parents must understand that vaccination is their children’s right. These services and programs succeed only when all families recognize their value.”

Dr. Shafiq concludes with an inspiring message: “Our children are our future. Let us ensure a healthy and bright future for them through vaccination.”

 

Vaccination is a simple yet essential step that ensures a healthy and safe future for the children of Badakhshan, shielding them from life-threatening diseases. © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Raqiba Hamidi

 

Conclusion

The Badakhshan Provincial Hospital is not merely a health center for children but also a source of hope for families.

Every mother who brings her child here holds a single wish: to protect them from preventable diseases. The hospital team works tirelessly and with great dedication to fulfill these hopes.

Vaccination is a simple yet essential step that ensures a healthy and safe future for the children of Badakhshan, shielding them from life-threatening diseases.

Raqiba Hamidi, Polio Free Afghanistan