From doubt to trust: Zadran’s journey of change
A 60-year-old volunteer drawing on his experience to shift community perceptions
Nangarhar, Afghanistan – On a quiet street in Chaparhar District, an elderly man speaks with residents about malnutrition treatment and children’s health. His words are simple, yet deeply impactful.
This is Zadran, who once harbored misconceptions about polio but has since become a powerful voice in the fight against the disease.
The day that changed everything is still vivid in his memory: “I didn’t fully understand polio before,” he recalls. “But when I saw the impact of the disease on my close relatives with my own eyes, I realized how dangerous it truly is.”
It was this experience that marked a turning point in his life. Now, fifteen years later, Zadran is a well-known figure in his community. He is a member of a public awareness and malnutrition prevention team working to combat polio. He speaks directly with families, not just to share information, but to build trust.
He explains: “When you sit face to face with people and truly listen to them, you realize the problem is not just a lack of information-it’s a lack of trust.”
What sets him apart is the way he listens carefully to people’s concerns and questions. This approach has helped him gradually shift perceptions within the community.
Zadran provides treatment for malnutrition to children, helping improve their health and protect them from illness. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2026
In the beginning, many families were hesitant about the polio vaccine. Some refused straightaway, while others were held back by fear and doubt. But Zadran did not rush to judge. He spoke with patience, shared real-life examples, and took the time to earn people’s trust.
Gradually, this approach began to show results. Families who were once doubtful are now actively seeking vaccination for their children. This shift is the result of trust built over time and sustained engagement.
Zadran recalls the story of a family who once refused to vaccinate their children. He explains: “One day, I went to their home. The family elder told me he did not want his children vaccinated. I didn’t rush. I sat with him and first listened to his concerns. Then, in a clear way, I explained the benefits of vaccination and shared examples of children who had been paralyzed because they were not vaccinated.”
He adds that the family was not convinced at first, but he did not give up. He visited them several times, speaking with patience each time, until one day, they finally changed their decision and brought their children for vaccination.
Today, that same family not only ensures their children are vaccinated on time but also encourages others to protect their children’s health and not miss vaccinations.
Zadran and his colleagues go from house to house, speaking with families and raising awareness about malnutrition treatment and children’s health. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2026
This change shows how patience, persistence, and genuine connection can earn people’s trust and influence behavior.
Zadran believes that age and experience can sometimes be the most powerful tools in persuading others: “People listen to me because they know I am working for their well-being.”
He says this trust has always motivated him to share his experience with younger volunteers and encourage them to work with people respectfully and patiently.
“If we want to bring change, we must support one another,” he adds. “One person alone cannot change everything, but when we work together, so much becomes possible.”
Despite this progress, challenges remain. In some areas, traditional beliefs and misinformation continue to influence people’s decisions. But Zadran does not see this as a reason for discouragement; rather, he considers it a natural part of the work and remains committed to continuing his efforts.
He says, “Every challenge tells us there is still more work to be done. It is our responsibility to ensure people receive accurate information.”
Zadran adds that his greatest hope is that no child will ever fall victim to polio again.
Zadran’s story carries a simple message: change begins with one person, but only when trust is built and words are matched by action.
