One Volunteer, Two Drops, Thousands of Protected Children
Kabul, Afghanistan – Romal Mokhles, a 32-year-old resident of the Qala-e-Zaman Khan area of Kabul city, is one of thousands of young volunteers standing on the front lines of the fight against polio.
Having grown up facing economic hardships, educational barriers, and social challenges himself, he now fights for the safety of children.
For the past eight years, Romal has tirelessly worked as a volunteer in nationwide polio eradication campaigns, administering vaccines, raising awareness, and changing negative perceptions about vaccination.
So far, he has convinced hundreds of hesitant families across various parts of Kabul and helped vaccinate thousands of children against polio.
A Moment, A Change
Romal says he will never forget the day, years ago, when during a polio vaccination campaign on a cold winter day, he knocked on the door of a house to vaccinate the children. But when the door opened, a father came out angrily and said in a harsh tone, “I will not vaccinate my children. I do not accept the vaccine. It is harmful…”
“I realized,” Romal says, “that he was a victim of misinformation about the polio vaccine, and that I must inform him about the dangers of polio and the benefits of vaccination.”
From that day on, Romal visited the man several times and spoke to him with great kindness and dedication about the dangers of polio and the safety of the vaccine. He also shared stories of those who had fallen victim to polio.
About a month later, when the next round of the polio vaccination campaign began, Romal once again knocked on the same door. But this time, the same father came out holding his children by the hand — not with anger on his face, but with warmth and affection.
In a loud voice, the man said, “Son! Please vaccinate my children so they can be protected from polio. I was wrong, thank you for helping me understand and opening my mind.”
Romal says that for him, it wasn’t just about vaccinating two children. That day, he realized that the fight against polio isn’t only about giving vaccines; it’s about building trust, changing mindsets, and ensuring a healthy future for children.
Romal and his team administer vaccines to children during the polio vaccination campaign © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
From Refusal to Trust
In the beginning, numerous families were the victims of misinformation regarding the polio vaccine. Many believed it could harm their children, while others saw it as a foreign conspiracy. But Romal and his team, with patience, perseverance, and knowledge, showed people that polio is a dangerous and incurable disease, and that just two drops of the vaccine can prevent it.
“I was determined not to let a single child in my assigned area miss the vaccine,” Romal says.
To achieve this goal, he coordinated with mosque imams, local leaders, social activists, and teachers. With their support, he visited the doorsteps of every vaccine-refusing individual to change their mind.
When Trust Grows, Children’s Futures Are Safeguarded
Jan Mohammad, a local community representative, says that thanks to the persistent efforts of Romal and his team, public awareness has greatly increased. Now, during every campaign, families not only vaccinate all their children but also give full support to the volunteers.
“In the past, many people were caught in doubt and suspicion,” he adds. “But now, thanks to the efforts of Romal and his team, they understand that just two drops of vaccine each time can protect their children from permanent paralysis.”
“Romal Mokhles is not just a dedicated volunteer, he is the voice of protection for our children. Because of his efforts, now 100 percent of families not only vaccinate their children but also call regularly to ask about the campaigns,” he said.
Romal administering the polio vaccine to a child © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
One Message, One Hope
Romal is now a student at Kabul University, studying in the Faculty of Languages and Literature. But alongside his studies, he has dedicated his time to the fight against polio.
He says, “Every home, every street, every child matters. I will not rest until no child in this country is at risk of polio.”
Ending Polio Depends on Our Collective Efforts
Romal Mokhles represents the thousands of Afghans who have stepped up to protect the children of their country. Eradicating polio is possible — but it requires unity and cooperation from the people.
Just two drops the of vaccine can change a child’s future. Let’s join hands to put an end to polio once and for all.
