Polio Vaccination Campaigns in Badakhshan: Challenges, Collaborations, and Parents’ Experiences
Raqiba Hamidi
Badakhshan, Afghanistan – Due to its complex and challenging geography, Badakhshan has long faced major hurdles in combating diseases. Among these challenges is the fight against polio, a dangerous and viral disease that requires widespread vaccination efforts. In recent years, continuous efforts by health institutions in this province have led to significant progress.
Progress and Challenges
Samiullah Kamyab, head of the EPI Department at the Badakhshan Directorate of Public Health, stated that two rounds of polio vaccination campaigns were carried out in the province in 2024. The first round took place in April, and the second in June.
He explained that overall, the vaccination effort went well, but some challenges remain. One of the main challenges is the seasonal migration of families to villages, which prevents vaccination teams from reaching all children on time.
He emphasized that the efforts of health institutions have paved the way for the vaccination of more children in remote areas.
The Crucial Role of Volunteers
A key factor in the success of the vaccination campaign is the presence of volunteers. Kamyab praised the volunteer work of local staff, saying: “The volunteers who participate in the polio vaccination campaign carry out their duties with great patience and compassion, despite receiving only minimal compensation.”
He added that these voluntary efforts play a crucial role in speeding up the vaccination campaigns and that without them, many children might have missed out on being vaccinated.
The head of the EPI Department at the Badakhshan Directorate of Public Health, stated that voluntary efforts play a crucial role in speeding up the vaccination campaigns and that without them, many children might have missed out on being vaccinated © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Raqiba Hamidi
Access to Remote Areas
Badakhshan has many remote areas that are difficult for vaccination teams to access. However, However, Kamyab noted that each district has vaccination teams with coordinators, supervisors, and organizers to manage their activities. Even in remote areas, these teams make every effort to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.
Need for Public Awareness
A major hurdle in the vaccination process is the lack of public awareness. Kamyab pointed out that in the past, social mobilizers were responsible for raising public awareness, but they are no longer present.
He expressed hope that responsible agencies should once again employ mobilizers to ensure the vaccination campaigns are carried out effectively and successfully.
Kamyab says that vaccination teams exist in every district, with coordinators, supervisors, and organizers to manage their activities. Even in remote areas, these teams make every effort to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Raqiba Hamidi
Parents’ Experiences
A resident of Layaaba and the mother of three-year-old Rustam shared: “Fortunately, my son Rustam is protected from polio thanks to regular vaccinations. Whenever vaccination teams come to our area, we make sure our children are vaccinated.” However, she also mentioned some challenges, saying: “In some remote areas, access to vaccinations is difficult, and sometimes the teams arrive late.”
Another resident from Najokah Valley, the father of two-and-a-half-year-old Marjan, has a similar experience. “Marjan has received the polio vaccine every time, and so far, he has been protected from the disease,” he said.
He also stressed: “I had heard rumors about the ineffectiveness and harm of vaccines, but seeing the health of vaccinated children made me realize that these were just rumors, and vaccinating is very important.”
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made in the fight against polio in Badakhshan. The efforts of health institutions and international partners have played a vital role in the success of the vaccination campaigns. However, more attention and initiatives are needed to raise public awareness and improve access to remote areas.
With unity and determination of society, it is possible to come closer to eradicating this disease completely and ensuring a healthy future for the children of Badakhshan.
