Nagina: On the front line of the fight against polio
Having learned the meaning of service through the hardships she has faced in life, a dedicated polio vaccination volunteer now works to protect children’s health and prevent the disease.
Kabul, Afghanistan – Every morning, when Nagina Rahmanzai slings the polio vaccine carrier over her shoulder and sets out for her designated areas, she knows her work plays a vital role in protecting children’s health.
She was still a child when she lost her father, and much of her childhood was marked by hardship. But those experiences deepened her compassion for others and inspired her to serve her community.
Today, 25-year-old Nagina is one of the polio program’s most active vaccinators and has spent the past eight years working to protect children’s health.
“Vaccinating children isn’t just a job to me; it’s a responsibility and an honor. I’m glad that I get to protect the children who will shape the future of our country from a dangerous disease through vaccination,” Nagina says.
A hope forged from hardships
Nagina is originally from Logar province and now lives in Qalacha area of Kabul’s District 8. She has completed her education up to the 14th grade.
When she talks about her childhood, the pain of those years can still be heard in her voice:
“I faced many challenges during my childhood. The most painful memory was that of losing my father. His absence was hard on our family, but that experience taught me to stand up to hardship and keep pushing forward.”
Those experiences strengthened Nagina’s ability to understand the struggles of other children. She wanted to do work that would bring a positive change in their lives.
A new chapter opened in her life when community elder and relative, Mirwais Rahmanzai, supported her and encouraged her to pursue education and serve her community.
“Mirwais Rahmanzai’s encouragement and belief in me gave me the opportunity to work for children’s health and serve my community.”
© Polio Free Afghanistan | 2026
Nagina vaccinates a child during a polio vaccination campaign.
Building trust, one day at a time
When a polio vaccination campaign begins, Nagina starts work in the early morning hours alongside her colleagues. She follows the day’s plan to reach her assigned areas, working to make sure no child is left unvaccinated.
During a campaign, she vaccinates between 70 and 90 children each day.
But Nagina’s work doesn’t end with vaccinating children. An important part of her role is talking with families and strengthening their trust in the vaccine.
Some families still have misconceptions about vaccination, and, as a result, refuse to vaccinate their children, she says.
“Some families think the vaccine harms children. We speak with them gently, listen to their concerns, and explain the benefits of vaccination.”
Nagina doesn’t rely on her efforts alone to win families over. Before each campaign begins, she also meets with the area’s imams, tribal elders, and other influential figures, knowing that trusted local voices play a key role in raising awareness about the vaccine.
“When religious scholars and elders in the community support the vaccine and explain its importance to people, families are convinced much more quickly.”
© Polio Free Afghanistan | 2026
Vaccinated children; toward a healthy and safe future
From a new vaccinator to a trusted voice
“Over eight years, Nagina has not only vaccinated thousands of children, but also learned a great deal herself along the way.”
When she started, she says, she had little experience and did not know how to connect with people:
“At first, I did not know how to listen to people’s concerns or how to talk with them. Now I understand that every family has its own concerns, and we need to speak with them respectfully and patiently.”
The biggest change, in her view, is the increase in public awareness, and a decline in vaccine refusals compared with the past.
A pride that comes through service
Nagina says her work has also changed her personal life: “This work has taught me that a person feels the most peace when they help others.”
Her family also supports her and takes pride in the fact that she works to protect children’s lives.
“My family tells me, ‘You’ve chosen a job where you work for children’s health, and that is something to be proud of.'”
Nagina dreams of an Afghanistan where no child faces the threat of polio. That’s why her message to mothers and fathers is direct: “Do not put your children’s future at risk because of misinformation.”
Nagina’s fight is not yet over. She continues her efforts in the hope that one day, every child in the country will be safe from polio, and no family will face the threat of this disease.
