Advocate for Change: Farmanullah on the Frontlines of Child Health
In a modest corner behind a simple desk, a young man works each day for the healthy future of thousands of children. This is the story of Farmanullah — a dedicated volunteer who, through a static health team, has helped reshape the health landscape of his community.
Khost, Afghanistan – Farmanullah is one of the young men from Spera District in Khost Province who has found meaning in life through service and raising awareness.
His workplace may be simple, but it has become a center of protection for thousands of children.
Thirty-year-old Farmanullah, who pursued higher education at Sheikh Zayed University in Khost, has been serving as a member of the Gurbuz static health team for the past six years.
“Every day, many families come here,” he says, “with concerns, questions, and needs. Our goal is to provide them with essential primary health services, so they leave with trust, understanding, and reassurance.”
Static Health Teams: A Reliable Source of Health Services in Remote Areas
Static health teams are supported by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and other international partners. These teams operate in areas where permanent clinics are either unavailable or too far away.
The team’s responsibilities include administering vaccines against polio and other infectious diseases, providing basic medical care, monitoring illnesses, and offering health education and awareness to the community.
Farmanullah administers the polio vaccine to a child © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
When Doubts Turn into Trust
Farmanullah is not just a vaccinator — he also builds community trust. He does his best to reassure and convince individuals who come with doubts and concerns. According to him, patience, clear communication, and referring to religious scholars have always proven effective.
“One day, a family came in who didn’t trust the vaccine. I spoke with them and invited the local imam to join the conversation. He explained the importance of vaccination from a religious perspective. In the end, the family was convinced and allowed their children to be vaccinated.”
Farmanullah says that most people in Spera District now trust the vaccine, largely because the health team’s door is always open and community members know they can consistently receive accurate information, guidance, and reassurance from the team.
Dr. Farid, head of health services in Spera, says: “Farmanullah is a member of our team who not only performs his duties, but also fosters an atmosphere of trust. Young people like him are the backbone of the community’s health.”
Community elder Haji Abdul Karim adds: “He not only provides health services to our people but also helps dispel their doubts and concerns.”
A Simple Duty, a Big Change
Because of his work, Farmanullah has become a symbol of trust among the people of Spera District. He is not only fighting polio, but also raising health awareness, countering misinformation, and inspiring other young people in his community.
“I believe that if even one child is protected each day from polio and other dangerous diseases through our work here, that would be a major achievement. I will continue this duty for as long as needed,” he says.
Farmanullah may be one member of a team, but for thousands of children, he is a steady source of hope. He and his colleagues are among the quiet forces driving community health forward.
