Lina Hamdard: A Hero in the Fight Against Polio in Takhar

Takhar, Afghanistan – On a cold, quiet morning in Taloqan, a dedicated polio vaccination campaign worker, Lina Hamdard, sets out toward the city’s alleys with a confident smile on her face and a vaccine box in hand.

For Lina, this is not an ordinary day; it is an opportunity to get closer to her dream of a polio-free society.

A graduate of the midwifery program at Takhar Medical Institute, Lina has always aspired to serve people directly. When she learned about the need for vaccinators in polio campaigns, she decided to join the effort.

“My goal has always been to help children and their families,” she says. “When I realized I could save children’s lives, I didn’t hesitate for a moment.”

 

Achievements and Challenges

Lina has been able to vaccinate around 100 children every day over the past year. In addition, she has raised awareness among and persuaded around 20 misinformed, vaccine-refusing families to vaccinate their children.

However, this task has not been easy. Rumors and misinformation have consistently challenged her daily work and her fight against polio.

“Some families think vaccines are dangerous and can harm children’s future. However, I try to educate them respectfully through logical reasoning, highlighting the dangers of polio and the importance of vaccines,” she said.

One memorable experience Lina shares is about a family that initially refused to vaccinate their children but eventually consented due to her persistent efforts.

She recalls, “The paterfamilias was strongly opposed to the polio vaccine, believing it would cause future illnesses. With patience, I presented examples of vaccinated children who were not only healthy but also protected from polio. In the end, he agreed. When he allowed his children to be vaccinated, I felt like I had achieved a major victory.”

Lina says with hope for the future: “My wish is that one day no Afghan child will suffer from polio. This is possible if we all work together.”

She firmly believes that collaborative efforts can create a healthier society for future generations.

Lina and her colleagues face numerous challenges daily, but their mission is so valuable that no number of challenges can shake their dedication.

“When I see that the children I have vaccinated are healthy and their families are protected from the threat of polio, all my exhaustion fades away,” she adds.

 

Lina has been able to vaccinate around 100 children everyday over the past year. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Raqiba Hamidi

 

A Family’s Story

Mohammad Saboor is one of the parents who initially refused to vaccinate his children, but his perspective has since changed.

“I had heard from neighbors that vaccines might harm children. However, after listening to Lina’s explanations and reassurances from doctors, I decided to vaccinate my children,” he says.

Now satisfied with his decision, Mohammad Saboor encourages other parents not to believe in rumors or misinformation.

“Vaccines save children’s lives, and vaccinators are the true heroes of our community. People should cooperate with them,” he emphasizes.

 

Conclusion

Lina Hamdard’s story demonstrates how a determined individual can bring significant change to society. She has not only saved the lives of many children but has also raised awareness among families.

In Afghanistan, where polio remains a serious threat to children’s health, heroes like Lina Hamdard are paving the way for a brighter future.

Raqiba Hamidi, Polio Free Afghanistan