Polio: Sara’s Different Life and Her Message for the Future
Badakhshan, Afghanistan – Nineteen-year-old Sara Sadat from Yaftal Payeen district of Badakhshan province contracted polio at the age of one—before she could even step into the world of childhood.
This disease not only harmed Sara but completely altered the course of her life; both of her legs have been paralyzed and she has been facing physical and social challenges ever since.
The story becomes even more tragic as Sara reflects on how her life might have been different had she had access to vaccines during her childhood.
She says, “If I had access to vaccines back then, my life would have been completely different now.”
Sara’s daily life is far from easy. She cannot walk without a wheelchair or a cane, which brings many challenges her way.
Her disability has deprived her of many social activities that other young people enjoy, yet she hasn’t given up hope and still looks forward to a brighter future.
“Even though I can’t move and walk like others, I never feel as if I’ve failed. I always trust in God and make use of the resources I have,” she adds.
Sara thanks her parents, who have always stood by her, saying, “My father and mother have always supported me, and they’ve never made me feel alone. Their support means a lot to me.”
In her view, her life’s story can serve as a warning to parents and society to pay more attention to the value of vaccines.
Polio not only harmed but completely altered the course of Sara’s life; both of her legs have been paralyzed and she has been facing physical and social challenges ever since © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Raqiba Hamidi
Sara has a powerful message for parents: “I don’t want any child to be deprived of walking or daily activities like I am. I call on all parents to take their children to the nearest health centers and vaccinate them against polio and other dangerous diseases.”
Sara’s father, Gul Mohammad, a simple laborer, says, “Sara’s illness has changed everything. The costs of her treatment and special needs are a heavy financial burden on us.”
“As a father whose daughter is affected by polio, I am deeply saddened. If I could go back in time and prevent her illness with a vaccine, I would have done so without any hesitation. I urge all parents to understand the value of vaccines and to vaccinate their children regularly to safeguard them from polio and other diseases,” he adds.
Sara’s mother, Bibi Shirin, states, “Many people don’t realize that Sara’s disability is due to polio, so some look at her as helpless, this sort of perspective often causes her distress.”
She continued, “The important lesson from Sara’s story is the significance of vaccines. If she had access to the polio vaccine during her childhood, her situation might have been different now.”
“I urge parents to vaccinate their children to prevent them from facing the same fate as my daughter,” she added.
Dr. Qutbuddin, a health expert in Badakhshan, notes, “Polio is a dangerous disease, but vaccines can prevent its spread. Unfortunately, however, children in some areas still contract the disease, just like Sara did.”
Sara Sadat’s life challenges illustrate how a preventable disease can impact both an individual and their family.
The lack of timely access to vaccines during childhood not only left Sara paralyzed but also subjected her family to significant economic and social hardships.
Sara’s message to others is clear: “Only vaccines can prevent such tragedies. Let’s work together for a healthy and better future for our children.”
By Raqiba Hamidi, Polio Free Afghanistan
