Javid Raufi’s Efforts to Eliminate Polio Vaccination Refusals

Herat, Afghanistan – In the 7th district of Herat city, an area where for years numerous families have refused to vaccinate their children against polio, Javid Raufi undertakes a challenging yet crucial job as the coordinator of the polio vaccination campaign.

This 32-year-old nursing graduate has led multiple teams in polio vaccination campaigns for the past 17 years, dedicated to changing public perceptions and attitudes toward the vaccine.

 

The Change from Refusal to Acceptance

“Thanks to our efforts, dozens of families that once refused to vaccinate their children against polio are now convinced to do otherwise. They ensure that all their children under the age of five receive the vaccine during every campaign,” says Javid Raufi.

He adds that providing scientific information about the benefits of vaccination, citing real-life examples of children who were protected from paralysis through vaccines, and collaborating with local leaders and religious clerics have been effective in changing public perceptions.

“In the past 17 years,” Raufi stated, “hundreds of families who previously rejected polio vaccines have come to understand their importance. However, in some areas, due to a lack of awareness and harmful traditional practices, children still miss out on vaccination. We are working with full determination to identify such families, educate them, persuade them, and encourage them to vaccinate their children.”

 

The sustained efforts of Javid Raufi and his teams have led to a notable decrease in polio vaccination refusals. © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Marzia Frotan

 

A Shift in General Perception

The sustained efforts of Javid Raufi and his teams have led to a notable decrease in polio vaccination refusals.

Bahnaz Ahmadi, a volunteer with the polio vaccination campaign, remarked that the state of polio campaigns in Herat has improved compared to previous years.

“Previously, many families refused vaccination,” she said, “but now, most families vaccinate their children.”

She highlighted the crucial role of local leaders and religious clerics, adding, “We continue our efforts to raise awareness and hope that no child will be left without the polio vaccine.”

 

The Story of a Regretful Mother

Shakila Nazir Bek, who brought her two-and-a-half-month-old daughter to the mosque in the 7th district for vaccination, stands as a clear example of the shift in general perception.

In the past, she would refuse polio vaccination but now regrets her previous decisions.

“I had heard from some people that polio vaccines harm children, so every time vaccinators came, I would tell them I didn’t have any children,” she said.

However, her perspective changed after attending an awareness session organized by polio vaccination campaign workers.

“In that session, I realized how beneficial the polio vaccine is for children. From that day forward, I decided I would never prevent my children from being vaccinated,” she added.

Shakila now firmly believes that polio vaccination is essential for a healthy and strong future generation, and urges all parents to fulfill their duties in this regard.

 

Bahnaz Ahmadi, a volunteer in the polio vaccination campaigns, states, “Previously, many families refused vaccination, but now, most families vaccinate their children.” © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Marzia Frotan

 

A Step Toward a Polio-Free Community

The efforts of Javid Raufi and his team in Herat stand as a testament to the unwavering commitment and exemplary teamwork to eradicate polio.

With increased public awareness and a reduction in refusals, there is hope that one day no child in Afghanistan will be deprived of the polio vaccine, and the disease will be eradicated completely.

Marzia Frotan, Polio Free Afghanistan