Abdullah: A Pioneer in the Fight for Children’s Health in Arghandab
Kandahar, Afghanistan – Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Kandahar, Arghandab symbolizes nature’s beauty and the love of its people. In this picturesque region, a young man named Abdullah sets out from his home every morning at dawn, driven by the hope of vaccinating children and protecting them from polio.
As a volunteer for polio vaccination campaigns, Abdullah has dedicated his life to this noble cause.
At 35 years old, he was born and raised in this very area. “My love for the land and its people motivates me to start each day with renewed energy,” he shares.
Abdullah witnessed the effects of polio during his childhood. He recalls a boy from his village named Jalal, who was paralyzed by the disease.
He explains that Jalal’s condition not only brought physical limitations upon him but also created lasting challenges for his family.
This experience left a profound impact on Abdullah. “I made a promise to myself, that when I grew up, I would dedicate my efforts to improving children’s health.”
Abdullah’s Efforts
For the past five years, Abdullah has been working as a volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns. For him, this is not just a job, it’s a profound social responsibility.
“Every child I vaccinate feels like my own son, whom I have protected from this devastating disease,” he says.
Abdullah recalls a memory that remains vivid in his mind: “One day, I saw an elderly man standing in front of the village mosque, holding his young grandson in his arms. His face was clouded with fear and doubt, and he expressed mistrust about the vaccine. I confidently explained to him the dangers of polio and the benefits of vaccination. Eventually, he was convinced and allowed his grandson to be vaccinated.”
Such moments inspire Abdullah to continue his vital work, knowing that every vaccinated child is a step towards a brighter and safer future.
Abdullah has been working as a volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns for the past five years. To him, this is not just a job, it’s a profound social responsibility. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Saeed Zabuli
Community Support
Abdullah is not alone in his journey. The residents of his area not only praise his efforts but also urge others to cooperate with volunteers to protect their children from polio.
Gul Ahmad, a resident of Arghandab, says, “Abdullah is working for the better future of our children. It is our duty to support him and take our children’s health seriously.”
Another resident, Mirjan, says, “Abdullah is a true example of service for us. I urge all families to cooperate with volunteers like him and protect their children from polio.”
A Great Aspiration
Abdullah, whose life revolves around the health of the country’s children, always says, “My dream is that our community will no longer fall victim to polio. I want my small efforts to lead to significant changes.”
Thanks to the efforts of Abdullah and thousands of other volunteers like him, children across the country are being protected from polio. It is essential for people to support and cooperate with them so that Afghanistan can be free from the polio virus.
Saeed Zabuli, Polio Free Afghanistan
