Pari Gul Ibrahimi: Protecting Children in Guzara, Herat

Herat, Afghanistan – Twenty-six-year-old Pari Gul Ibrahimi, is one of the leading women fighting against polio in the Guzara district of Herat, where she works as a mobilizer.

For the past four years, Pari Gul Ibrahimi has not only raised awareness among thousands of mothers about the importance of polio vaccination but has also worked to eliminate the barriers and misconceptions surrounding the vaccine.

Pari Gul’s story is one of determination and commitment to protecting the next generation from polio.

 

The Beginning of a Noble Mission

Pari Gul, who studied midwifery, began working at the health center in Guzara district, driven by her passion for community health.

“I always wanted to help women, particularly during pregnancy, a crucial phase of their lives. However, when I saw some families refusing the polio vaccine and their children becoming victims of polio due to their lack of awareness, I felt a responsibility to raise awareness in this field,” she said.

In the early days, she faced numerous challenges, as many families refused to vaccinate their children against polio due to misconceptions and a lack of understanding. They feared the vaccine might harm their children. However, Pari Gul did not give up. With patience and kindness, she educated mothers about the importance of vaccination and the dangers of polio.

 

Pari Gul’s Role in Transforming the Community

During this time, Pari Gul has convinced about 300 mothers, who previously held negative views on vaccination, to vaccinate their children.

“When I see a mother, who was once against the vaccine, now confidently vaccinating her child, I feel that my work has meaning. Every child saved from polio is an achievement for me,” she said.

Like other health mobilizers in Herat, Pari Gul has stood firm against social and cultural obstacles and strives to raise awareness among mothers, transforming the lives of thousands of children.

For Pari Gul, this is not just a job; it is a sacred mission. “This work saves lives, and every child protected from paralysis through vaccination gives me the strength to continue my fight,” she added.

 

For the past four years, Pari Gul Ibrahimi has not only raised awareness among thousands of mothers about the importance of polio vaccination but has also worked to eliminate the barriers and misconceptions surrounding the vaccine © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Marzia Frotan

 

Changing Mindsets: A Quiet Victory

Leelma, a mother of five, is one of the women whose perspective was changed by Pari Gul’s message. She had brought her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter to the Guzara district health center for the polio vaccine.

“I didn’t know about the benefits of the polio vaccine before, and I thought it might make children ill. When vaccinators came to our door during campaigns, I would tell them that I didn’t have any children,” she stated.

However, after Pari Gul informed her about the polio vaccine, her perspective changed. She now takes her child to the health center every month to ensure her child remains healthy.

“I now understand how vital the vaccine is for children’s lives; if we don’t vaccinate them, they might become paralyzed, and their futures could be ruined,” she added.

Fawzia is another young mother facing difficult circumstances. Her family was skeptical about the polio vaccine, but she chose to fight for her three-year-old child’s health.

“I used to think the same way as my family, but Pari Gul enlightened me, and now I never let my child miss a vaccination,” she said.

Fawzia stresses, “I always vaccinate my child on time, not just for polio but for all necessary vaccines. I never want to see the day when my child becomes disabled or ill due to my ignorance.”

 

Conclusion

Pari Gul Ibrahimi is a symbol of determination and commitment in the face of social and cultural obstacles. With kindness and patience, she has convinced hundreds of mothers to vaccinate their children and has helped protect future generations from polio.

Her story shows how one person’s firm resolve can bring significant change to a community.

Pari Gul is a quiet hero, fighting every day in remote areas for a brighter, healthier future for Afghan children.

 

Marzia Frotan, Polio Free Afghanistan