Polio Victim: Together We Can Eradicate Polio from the Country
Hosai Ahmadzai
Kabul, Afghanistan – A polio victim, paralyzed in both legs by the disease, calls on the people to unite in the fight against polio, so that delivering vaccination to every child becomes a reality, thereby eradicating this disease from Afghanistan.
This 35-year-old-individual named Bismillah Zaki, contracted polio at the age of one. Originally from Dehna Ghori district in Baghlan province, he now resides in the 17th district of Kabul city.
He says that about 34 years ago, his family was living as immigrants in Pakistan when he contracted polio, rendering him unable to walk.
He added, “Life as immigrants was tough; we lacked access to essential services, like healthcare. My parents couldn’t vaccinate me, leading to my contraction of polio and permanent disability.”Despite the challenges of his disability, he has not lost courage. He not only graduated from school but has also received higher education.
Bismillah Zaki, a 35-year-old polio victim, states that he contracted the disease due to not being vaccinated, resulting in paralysis of both his legs © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Hosai Ahmadzai
Zaki said, “Despite facing disability and economic challenges, I accepted everything and persevered. After numerous difficulties, I graduated from school and later pursued a degree in economics.
He added that it is through enduring these hardships and challenges that he now works in a food store and also at a study center. Through these efforts, he provides sustenance for his eleven-member family.
He states, “The life of a disabled person is hard. I often struggle with tasks that others can do easily, but I haven’t given up.”
According to him, considering his sufferings and hard life, he understands first-hand how big a calamity polio is for Afghan children.
Bismillah Zaki spends his free time reading and learning © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Hosai Ahmadzai
He says that the prevention of this unfortunate disease relies solely on the unity of all the people in the country, by standing together against polio, we can ensure that every child receives the polio vaccine.
Zaki said, “As a victim of polio, my sole wish is for no more children to suffer from this deadly and paralyzing disease, sparing them from becoming a burden on their families and communities.”
He also urges families to take the threat of polio seriously and ensure that all their children under five years of age receive the polio vaccine during each vaccination campaign.
Bismillah Zaki talking to his elder brother © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Hosai Ahmadzai
Abdullah, aged forty-five, is the elder brother of Bismillah Zaki, acknowledges that his disability impacts the entire family.
He said, “Even though my brother has pursued his studies despite his polio-induced disability and has achieved success, I still worry about his future because he requires significant care and assistance.”
He states that witnessing his brother’s struggles with polio has made him aware of the suffering caused by this disease. Drawing from this personal experience, he urges parents to prioritize their children’s health and take preventive measures to ensure they do not endure the same fate as his brother.
A health professional named Dr. Kamin Sapi, upon observing Bismillah Zaki’s condition, emphasizes that polio is a perilous disease that can lead to permanent paralysis and even death.
He added that, unfortunately, there is no cure for polio, and prevention through vaccination is the only solution. Hence, it’s crucial for family elders to ensure that all children under the age of five are vaccinated during every campaign to safeguard them from this perilous disease.
