Polio prevention in Panjshir: the continued efforts of Sonam and her colleagues
From doubt to trust, the story of a woman who sparked change within her community
Panjshir, Afghanistan – Sonam, a resident of the Dehkelan area in Shutul District, Panjshir Province, is among the women who, through years of persistent effort, have brought about a remarkable shift in people’s attitudes and behaviors.
Now leading multiple teams as a supervisor in polio vaccination campaigns, she began this journey years ago as a volunteer.
Sonam, also a graduate in English literature, chose her professional path based on the needs of her community. Although her education was not directly related to the health sector, concerns about children’s future and a strong sense of responsibility motivated her to take part in polio eradication efforts.
She began working as a volunteer in 2011, a time when polio awareness was limited in the area and people had various concerns and doubts. Sonam says, “Many families faced a lack of information and had concerns about the polio vaccine. We tried to speak with people, answer their questions, and gradually build an atmosphere of trust.”
Sonam, a supervisor in the polio vaccination campaign, works to raise awareness and build trust among families. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2026
In this regard, Sonam strove to deliver a simple and clear message to families: polio is a dangerous disease, but preventing it is easy.
“When people understand that just two drops of vaccination can save their child from lifelong paralysis, making that decision becomes easier for them,” she adds.
These persistent efforts gradually changed people’s perceptions. This change, however, did not come in a single day, but over the course of years.
Today, people in the area not only view vaccination campaigns positively but also take a more responsible approach to their children’s health.
“The most important achievement is that for several years, no polio case has been recorded in Panjshir, and this is the result of everyone’s collective efforts,” Sonam says.
Building on these changes, Sonam’s role has also expanded. She now oversees the coordination and support of teams and works to ensure that campaigns are carried out effectively and that the polio vaccine reaches every child.
“My responsibility now is to keep teams organized and active, share my experience with them, and ensure the quality of their work,” she says.
The impact of these efforts has not been limited to campaigns alone, but has also drawn the attention of the wider community. Malik Abdul Sattar, a local elder, says, “The presence of female workers in such communities is very important. Sonam was able to earn the trust of mothers, listen to their concerns, and help them understand that polio can affect a child’s life permanently, but is preventable through vaccination.”
Families bringing their children for polio vaccination, a clear sign of awareness and trust. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2026
He adds that when families receive accurate information about the serious consequences of polio and the protection offered by the vaccine, they become much more willing to have their children vaccinated.
Similarly, child health specialist Dr. Mehrullah believes that Sonam’s role is not only technical, but also has a profound impact on raising awareness and building trust.
“Sonam is an important communication bridge between health services and the community,” he says. “She not only informs people about the risks of polio but also explains how the vaccine can protect children from paralysis; this knowledge plays an important role in changing people’s behavior.”
Building on this trust and experience, Sonam has a clear vision for the future. She wants to expand these efforts further so that every child has the opportunity to live a healthy life. She says, “My hope is that a day will come when no child suffers from paralysis due to polio. We must continue our work, as our responsibility has not yet come to an end.”
Sonam believes that through sustained awareness, continued engagement with communities, and collective efforts, it is possible for Afghanistan to join the ranks of countries that have completely eradicated polio.
