Nadia Mohammadi: A Dedicated Volunteer in Polio Vaccination Campaigns
Samangan, Afghanistan – Nadia Mohammadi, a resident of Aybak City in Samangan province, is a dedicated volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns, working tirelessly on the front lines in the fight against polio.
At 23 years old, Nadia holds a degree in physics from the Faculty of Education at Samangan University. For the past two years, she has served as a vaccinator, earning the respect and admiration of her community for her unwavering dedication.
Nadia’s work extends beyond preventing a single disease; she has dedicated her life to helping the community understand the importance of the polio vaccine and safeguarding their children from this dangerous illness.
She operates in a region where limited education and awareness present significant challenges in health matters, with the polio virus posing a persistent threat.
From a young age, Nadia heard stories of children paralyzed by polio. These stories fueled her resolve to contribute to the community’s health and safeguard the future of its children.
As a vaccinator, she knows that reaching every child requires immense patience and teamwork.
Nadia, well-known among the residents of Kart-e-Solh and Khorasan neighborhoods, not only administers vaccines but also uses her skills to persuade hesitant families—often misled by false rumors—to vaccinate their children.
She strives to raise awareness among people about the importance of the polio vaccine, address their questions and doubts, and eliminate the barriers that exist in the community against the administration of the polio vaccine.
Nadia’s work extends beyond preventing a single disease; she has dedicated her life to helping the community understand the importance of the polio vaccine and safeguarding their children from this dangerous illness. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2024/ Abdul Saboor Serat
Nadia says that significant progress has been made in the fight against polio, thanks to the efforts of vaccination campaign volunteers and social mobilizers in Samangan province, which is great news.
She said that over the past two years, she has encountered only one vaccine-refusing family in her area of responsibility, and she patiently persuaded them, alleviating their concerns and dispelling their worries.
She narrates, “I knocked on their door, but when the family realized a vaccination team had arrived, they hid their child. The grandmother opposed the vaccine. I called my supervisor, Nahida, who came with a community leader and a doctor. We spoke with the family and they agreed to have their child vaccinated.”
Nadia believes that every child should have access to all healthcare services, including vaccines, as it is their fundamental right.
Mohammadi is recognized as a catalyst for positive change in her community due to her tireless efforts. Her work inspires other young people to take active steps toward improving the health and progress of society.
The efforts, dedication, and sacrifices of 23-year-old Nadia Mohammadi serve as a remarkable example in the fight against polio.
She not only works as a vaccinator but also as a dedicated servant of the community, hoping for a future where no child faces the threat of polio.
The efforts of Nadia and other volunteers have brought significant change to Samangan, earning them praise and recognition from the province’s health officials.
Dr. Gul Nazar Ahmadi, the head of the Expanded Program on Immunization at the Samangan Directorate of Public Health, states that thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, no child in the province misses out on polio vaccination.
He commends the efforts of the volunteers and polio program staff, considering their contributions vital in the fight against polio.
According to Dr. Ahmadi, approximately 140,000 children are vaccinated in each round of the polio campaign in Samangan, thanks to the efforts of 918 volunteer teams.
Abdul Saboor Serat, Polio Free Afghanistan
