Negligence of parents has resulted in Mudassir contracting polio and becoming disabled
Raqiba Hamidi
Badakhshan, Afghanistan – Habibullah, a resident of Faizabad city in the heart of Badakhshan, has three daughters and two sons. Unfortunately, his seven-year-old son, Mudassir, contracted polio, resulting in paralysis on the left side of his body.
At 28 years old, he runs a barbershop in the city and strives to provide for his children despite considerable challenges.
Habibullah recalls that when his son, Mudassar, was just six months old, he suffered from a severe fever. When he took Mudassar to the doctor for treatment, the doctor informed him that his son had contracted polio.
He shared, “My son, Mudassar, contracted polio due to not being vaccinated.” He added “Ever since, I’ve diligently ensured that my daughter, Aisha, who is eighteen months old, receives regular vaccinations, so she doesn’t fall victim to this dangerous disease like Mudassar.”
Habibullah feeding his polio-affected seven-year-old son © Polio free Afghanistan/2024/Raqiba Hamidi
He, while giving water and biscuits to his disabled son, remarked that any child afflicted with polio becomes a lifelong burden on both their family and society.
He stated that polio is a perilous disease, and without vaccination, children face the risk of permanent disability.
He added, “I wished for Mudassar to attend school and pursue studies like his siblings, but his polio-induced disability has deprived him of all activities.”
He further mentioned that Mudassar is still a child, and his mother is currently caring for him. However, he expressed concern about Mudassar’s future, unsure of what life holds for him as he grows older.
He says, “If I had known before that polio could permanently disable children, I would have worked tirelessly to buy the vaccine. Now, even though the vaccine is freely available, many families still don’t recognize its value.”
He asserts that he is prepared to take his disabled son to people’s doorsteps during campaign days to encourage them to vaccinate their children.
Habibullah urges families to cooperate with vaccinators when they visit their homes, ensuring they do not suffer the same fate as Mudassar.
Polio-affected Seven-year-old Mudassir among his siblings © Polio free Afghanistan/2024/Raqiba Hamidi
Mosaddeq, 13-year-old brother of Mudassar, expressed that witnessing his brother’s disability is unbearable for him.
He expressed that witnessing Mudassar lying in the house, unable to attend school or play with him, fills him with profound sadness.
Looking at his brother, he expressed, “I aspire to become a vaccinator in the future and safeguard children from polio.”
Dr. Qadir Bran, a medical professional from Badakhshan, asserted that polio is a debilitating and potentially fatal illness.
He added, “There is currently no cure for polio. If a child contracts this disease, it will bring numerous challenges to both the family and society.”
He urged families to cooperate with vaccinators when they visit their homes, ensuring that all children under the age of five, including newborns, receive vaccinations to shield them from the threat of the poliovirus.
