Mehrullah Omarkhel: a vaccinator who builds trust before vaccination
Kapisa, Afghanistan – The first day of the polio vaccination campaign has just begun in Tagab District of Kapisa Province. Mehrullah Omarkhel takes his final sip of tea, hoists the vaccine carrier box onto his shoulder, and prepares for the day’s work.
The journey ahead is long, but the goal is clear: no child should be left unvaccinated.
Mehrullah is a resident of Idris Khel village in Tagab District. He holds a bachelor’s degree and has been working as a vaccinator in polio vaccination campaigns for the past several years.
According to him, this work is not merely about “administering drops”; responding to families’ questions and easing their concerns is also a pivotal part of the job.
In Tagab, alongside administering the vaccine, ensuring that families have accurate information about polio is essential. At times, questions arise due to misinformation and rumors, and this is where Mehrullah and his team play a crucial role: they listen, clarify the facts, and create an environment in which parents feel confident bringing their children for vaccination.
Where a Child’s Future Is Safeguarded
During campaign days, Mehrullah and his team are stationed at their designated locations. They strive to ensure that every child receives the vaccine and that none are left unvaccinated.
He says that sometimes the greatest obstacle is the questions that arise in parents’ minds.
“We try to listen patiently to everyone. The goal is for families to understand that the vaccine is for their child’s protection.”
Mehrullah administers vaccination to a child in Tagab. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
That same day, a father arrived at the vaccination site without his children. His face showed signs of determination, yet he still seemed to be seeking reassurance; someone intent on doing the right thing and clarifying his questions before anything else.
Mehrullah approached and greeted him in a gentle voice: “Uncle, welcome. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to share them with me.”
The father paused for a moment before speaking: “Son, I first need some reassurance. People say different things… some claim the vaccine can harm children, and others spread various other concerns. I don’t want to make the wrong decision for my children. Before I bring them, I want you to clarify everything for me.”
Mehrullah listened patiently to the father’s words. Then, in simple language, he said: “Uncle, it is your right to ask questions and be reassured. But the vaccine is not harmful; it is for protection. Polio is a disease that can permanently paralyze a child if they become infected. It has no cure, and this vaccine is the only way to prevent it.”
The father was still deep in thought. Mehrullah tried to simplify his explanation further: “If you want a healthy and safe future for your children, these few drops are part of that future. It only takes a moment, but it can make all the difference.”
At that moment, the village elder, Haji Gul Mohammad, arrived at the site and greeted everyone. Once he learned about the situation, he said with confidence: “Brother, we have also vaccinated our children. This is a good deed. We have seen with our own eyes children whose arms and legs were paralyzed by polio. If we are negligent today, we will only regret it tomorrow.”
The father fell silent. The weight of his doubt eased. He looked at Mehrullah and said softly, “All right… if that is the case, I will bring my children.”
He left the site and returned shortly after with his two children. Mehrullah administered the vaccine to both. The father let out a sigh of relief, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his mind and heart.
He said softly, “May God bless you… my heart feels at ease.”
During campaign days, Mehrullah and his team are stationed at their designated locations. They strive to ensure that every child receives the vaccine and that none are left unvaccinated. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
“This sentence is the day’s greatest achievement”
Mehrullah says that, for him, this sentence is not just an expression of appreciation; it is a sign of trust: “When a father or mother vaccinates their child with confidence, it is a significant triumph for us. Because it is not just about the vaccine; it is a step from doubt to trust.”
In Tagab, the efforts of Mehrullah and dozens of other dedicated health workers send a clear message: when awareness, respect, and human connection come together, trust is built. As a result, every vaccinated child represents an important step toward a safer future for Afghanistan.
Because every child has the right to a healthy life, free from polio.
