An Affliction That Could Have Been Prevented: Sardar Mohammad’s Heartbreaking Life Story
Kandahar, Afghanistan – Sardar Mohammad, a 38-year-old resident of Arghandab district in Kandahar, recounts the painful story of his childhood when he missed out on the polio vaccine.
The consequence of this neglect was devastating—he contracted polio at the age of six, which paralyzed his right leg and left him unable to walk unaided for the rest of his life.
Continuing the story as told by his parents, Sardar Mohammad says, “At that time, there were intense conflicts in our area, which prevented my family from vaccinating me. Consequently, I contracted polio, and it paralyzed my right leg.”
He adds that his polio-induced disability has subjected him to severe challenges and he has no other option but to endure them.
He explained that his family had made significant efforts to treat his illness at the time but were unaware that polio has no cure.
Sardar Mohammad now lives in poor economic conditions and, due to his disability, is unable to work. Despite this, he still cares for his three children.
“I got married despite many hardships, but ten years later, my wife passed away. The responsibility of raising my three daughters fell solely on me. As you see, I sit by the roadside and beg to provide them with a morsel of bread,” he states.
He attributes the hardships and suffering of his life to being deprived of the polio vaccine as a child, saying, “Had I been vaccinated against polio, I would have been healthy today.” © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Saeed Zabuli
Sardar Mohammad’s challenging life is like an open book for all. He raises his three daughters with the hope of giving them a brighter future, wishing for them the life he lost.
He attributes the hardships and suffering of his life to being deprived of the polio vaccine as a child, saying, “Had I been vaccinated against polio, I would have been healthy today.”
Reflecting on his own condition, he urges parents to recognize that doubting the value of the polio vaccine and failing to vaccinate their children is equivalent to destroying their future with their own hands.
By sharing his bitter life story, he encourages people to understand the value of vaccination and to ensure their children are regularly vaccinated against polio until the age of five to prevent permanent paralysis.
In his message to the community, Sardar Mohammad says, “My time has passed, but the children who are protected by the polio vaccine today will build Afghanistan’s future. If every family vaccinates their children, victory against polio is certain.”
Polio victims like Sardar Mohammad are living examples of the pain and agony caused by this disease. Through sharing their stories and experiences, they can play a crucial role in raising public awareness.
Their struggles remind us that just two drops of the polio vaccine in every campaign can protect a child from a lifetime of paralysis.
Saeed Zabuli, Polio Free Afghanistan
