A Volunteer’s Commitment: A Secure Future for Hundreds of Children
Ahmad Shah, a resident of Andar district in Ghazni province, works tirelessly with his team to ensure the polio vaccine reaches every child in his area.
Ghazni, Afghanistan – Ahmad Shah, a 30-year-old from Andar district of Ghazni province, has dedicated much of his life to the fight against polio, a deadly and paralyzing disease.
His life took a new direction when his younger brother, Qudratullah, contracted polio at the age of eight, leaving one side of his body paralyzed.
Witnessing his brother’s difficult life, he resolved that no other child in the area should fall victim to polio as his brother did.
Today, he is one of the leading volunteers in the fight to eradicate polio.
“My goal is clear: every child must receive two drops of the polio vaccine on time,” says Ahmad Shah. “This is every child’s right, and we are all responsible for ensuring that right is fulfilled.”
His journey as a volunteer in the fight against polio began at the end of his school years. During the holidays, he joined a polio vaccination campaign, and in his own village he began delivering vaccines to children and raising awareness among their parents.
There were challenges at the beginning, but he persevered. For him, every campaign means a healthier future for the children of his area.
Ahmad Shah, together with his team, administers the polio vaccine to a young girl in Andar district © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
A typical campaign day begins early in the morning. The team gathers, prepares the necessary supplies, organizes registration sheets, and shares messages through loudspeakers. Parents bring their children to the designated site. Each child receives two drops of the polio vaccine, and their finger is marked with a marker. This small mark reassures families that their child has been vaccinated against polio.
If a family does not bring their children for vaccination, Ahmad Shah and his colleagues listen to their concerns with great respect and respond in a simple yet direct way. Their message is clear: “The polio vaccine is safe, free, and guarantees a healthy future for every child.”
Mohammad Saber, an elder from the area, praises the team’s efforts: “The situation has greatly improved. Families now vaccinate their children with confidence. Preventing polio is the shared responsibility of everyone, and we stand firmly with our team.”
Local health activist Ustad Gul Pacha says: “Ahmad Shah and his team not only deliver vaccines to children but also raise awareness among their parents. Families who were once hesitant now eagerly vaccinate their children. Community trust is the foundation of public health.”
The team’s approach is based on principles of respect and collaboration. Their message is not individual but collective: “The fight against polio is not only the job of health workers; it is the shared responsibility of society. When parents vaccinate their child, they not only protect their own household but also help safeguard the future of children in their neighborhood and community.”
Ahmad Shah marks a child’s finger after vaccination © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
At the end of the day, the team vaccinates the last child. The registration sheets are completed, and the boxes are sealed. A short meeting follows: Which area was left out? Which families still need to be reached? How can the messages be made clearer? The plan for the next day is further refined.
“I don’t want any child to face the challenge of paralysis like Qudratullah,” says Ahmad Shah. “If we all take even the smallest step together, it can bring about a big change.”
This story is not only about one volunteer; it is also a reflection of collective community effort. The cooperation of parents, the dedication of volunteers, and the support of local leaders are three essential pillars of success in the fight against polio. Every campaign moves forward on the foundation of these three pillars.
Polio prevention is possible. With just two drops, paralysis can be prevented, giving children the chance to learn, play, and live a healthy life. Vaccination is every child’s right and ensuring it is delivered on time is our shared responsibility.
A moment of the team’s work in the streets of Andar district may seem simple, but together these moments are transforming the future of the area.
Every smile, every ink-marked finger, and every determined gathering keeps the door to paralysis closed and helps build a brighter tomorrow for children.
