Nargis: A Mother Battling Challenges for Her Children’s Health
Herat, Afghanistan – In the health center of Herat City’s seventh district, a mother named Nargis is sitting on a bench with her five children.
She is holding her three-year-old son in her arms, while her other children, all under the age of five, are seated on either side. They raise their colored fingers to show that each has received two drops of the polio vaccine.
A Responsible and Committed Mother
Nargis, approximately 35 years old, is a resident of the 10th district of Herat City. Despite living in a traditional family and facing economic challenges, she has prioritized the health of her children.
“My goal is to protect my children from the poliovirus. I don’t want them to become paralyzed. Every month, I bring my children to this health center for vaccination,” she says.
Although Nargis is illiterate, she has gained awareness about the dangers of polio and the benefits of vaccination from the social mobilizers and health workers of the polio vaccination campaign.
Her husband works as a laborer all day and has little time to spend with the family. However, Nargis is determined to not let her children fall victim to this virus.
“It is the duty of mothers to ensure the health of their children,” she states.
With joy and hope, she said: “I am delighted that my children are being vaccinated and safeguarded from the polio virus. This is a great achievement for me.”
In addition to regularly vaccinating her own children, Nargis encourages other women in her community to vaccinate their children as well.
She believes that such efforts can help protect future generations from serious threats.
Nargis, approximately 35 years old, is a resident of the 10th district of Herat City. Despite living in a traditional family and facing economic challenges, she has prioritized the health of her children. © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Marzia Frotan
Responsible Mothers, True Heroes
Homa Sadat, a vaccinator at the seventh district’s health center, speaks about Nargis and other women like her: “These mothers, despite being illiterate, have demonstrated that their children’s health is their top priority. By bringing their children to health centers and ensuring they are vaccinated, they play a vital role in preventing polio.”
Homa Sadat adds that the dedication of such mothers inspires others. Not only do they protect their own children from polio and other diseases, but they also guide the community toward healthier living.
The Final Message
Nargis’s story highlights the significance of dedication, maternal love, and awareness.
She, along with other women like her, are silent heroes who fight against challenges and hardships to create a brighter future for their children.
Through their efforts, these women keep alive the hope of eradicating diseases that threaten children’s lives.
Marzia Frotan, Polio Free Afghanistan
