Badakhshan, Afghanistan – A chilly autumn morning has dawned in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan. The faint rays of sunlight, piercing through gray clouds, illuminate the narrow streets of the city. From within these streets, the sound of a sewing machine can be heard emanating in a small room of a house.
In this room, a determined 35-year-old woman with a hopeful gaze, named Kimiya Azimi, is busy sewing clothes that must be completed by the end of the day.
Behind the hum of this sewing machine lies the story of a woman’s struggles, aspirations, and resilience—a life changed by polio.
The Beginning of a Great Challenge
At the age of two, when Kimiya’s family lived in Baharak district, she contracted polio.
"I don’t remember much from that time, but my mother says I first had a severe fever, and then my left leg became paralyzed. At that time, vaccines weren’t available in remote districts like Baharak, and people were largely unaware of polio," she shared with a heavy heart.
When Kimiya turned four, her family took her to the Red Cross Physical Rehabilitation Center in Faizabad. There, doctors informed them that her leg would never regain its mobility. Later, she was sent to Kabul for further assistance, where a plastic brace was made for her leg.
"This painful experience not only prevented me from going to school but also changed the course of my life. Every day, I tell myself that if I had been healthy and had pursued an education, my life would have turned out differently. But now, my entire focus is on ensuring that my children do not fall victim to polio as I did," Kimiya said.
At the age of two, when Kimiya’s family lived in Baharak district, she contracted polio.
© Polio Free Afghanistan | 2024 | Raqiba Hamidi
New Hopes for Life
Kimiya had no prior experience with tailoring. However, when she began working as an apprentice at the Red Cross Physical Rehabilitation Center, her interest in the craft grew significantly.
"When I saw women tailoring here, I decided to learn it too. At first, it was difficult, but after two years of effort and practice, I mastered this profession," she said.
Now, Kimiya works as a tailoring instructor at the same center. She proudly says, "This work has given me confidence and financial independence. Now, I can strive for a better future for my children."
Family Life: Efforts for a Better Future
Kimiya got married at the age of 25 and is now the mother of three children: 8-year-old Imran, 7-year-old Zuhal, and 3-year-old Yusra.
"I do everything in my power to ensure that my children are healthy and have a bright future. I vaccinate all three of them regularly and firmly believe that vaccination is the only way to prevent polio and other dangerous diseases," she says with joy.
Her husband, Baig Mohammad, earns a low income by transporting goods, but Kimiya supports her family financially through her tailoring.
"Despite all the challenges, I thank God that I can work for my family. I hope that one day our situation will improve," she said.
With a hopeful tone, Kimiya expressed, "I wish no child has to be deprived of the blessings of life as I was. I want my children to pursue an education, thrive, and lead good lives. Though I lost my chance to study, I hope for a bright future for them."
She emphasizes the importance of vaccination, saying, "I urge all parents to never miss an opportunity for vaccination. Please vaccinate your children and give them the chance to live healthy lives."
Kimiya says with joy, "I do everything in my power to ensure that my children are healthy and have a bright future. I vaccinate all three of them regularly and firmly believe that vaccination is the only way to prevent polio and other dangerous diseases."
© Polio Free Afghanistan | 2024 | Raqiba Hamidi
A Mother’s Story: Hopes and Dreams
Kimiya’s mother, Shah Gul, recalls the difficult days of her daughter’s illness: "Kimiya fell ill when she was two years old. She first had a fever, and then her leg became paralyzed. At the time, we thought it was just an ordinary illness, but the doctors told us it was polio. If we had vaccinated her back then, this might not have happened."
She added, "Back then, we didn’t have access to vaccines, and people didn’t know much about polio. But now, thankfully, vaccines are available everywhere, and we must take advantage of this opportunity. I urge all mothers to ensure their children are vaccinated."
Dr. Fareeda: Vaccination, the Key to Polio Prevention
Dr. Fareeda, who works in Faizabad, stated, "Polio is a dangerous disease that can be easily prevented through vaccination. However, if a child contracts it, its effects last a lifetime."
"Unfortunately, in the past, many children suffered from this disease due to a lack of awareness and limited access to vaccines. But now, parents must take advantage of the available resources and ensure their children are vaccinated regularly," she added.
Conclusion
Kimiya’s story showcases the profound impact polio can have on individuals’ lives. Despite the challenges, her strong will and relentless effort have allowed her to persevere and move forward without giving up.
The unified message from Kimiya, her mother, and Dr. Fareeda is clear: "No child should be deprived of vaccination, as every administered dose is a step toward a healthy and polio-free community."
Raqiba Hamidi | Badakhshan
