Rajab Mohammad, a pioneer in the fight against polio in Badakhshan

Raqiba Hamidi

Badakhshan, Afghanistan – In the center of Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province, a man named Rajab Mohammad Subat has saved thousands of children from polio through his dedication and tireless efforts.

For the past five years, he has been working as a coordinator in the polio vaccination campaign, with a strong determination and commitment to eradicate this deadly disease.

44 Years old, Rajab Mohammad graduated from the nursing department of Pamir Institute. He utilizes his knowledge and experience to convince families about the importance of vaccination.

He says, “In my five-year career, I have persuaded many families to vaccinate their children. They now understand that polio vaccination is the only way to protect their children from paralysis.”

Subat himself has two sons and a daughter, and in every campaign, he first vaccinates his own children (four-year-old Mohammad Ilyas, three-year-old Aswa, and one-year-old Yahya).

By doing this, he encourages other families to vaccinate their children and protect them from polio.

 

In the center of Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province, a man named Rajab Mohammad Subat has saved thousands of children from polio through his dedication and tireless efforts © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2024 / Raqiba Hamidi

 

Efforts and Challenges

Rajab Mohammad holds meetings with people in mosques, houses, and other places in his area, informing them about the dangers of polio and the benefits of the vaccine.

One of the main challenges he faces is the spread of misinformation and rumors about the polio vaccine. However, he has made a significant impact in the community as a campaign coordinator for the polio vaccine.

He added, “Through the polio eradication program, I have been able to play an important role in reducing polio cases and increasing vaccination coverage.”

Subat hopes that by continuing his efforts, he will play a crucial role in eradicating polio in Badakhshan and all of Afghanistan.

He said, “As long as there is even one child in Badakhshan who has not received the polio vaccine, we will not stop our efforts, work, and dedication.”

Salim, a 55-year-old resident of Dasht Qurugh in Faizabad, is one of the people who previously did not vaccinate his children.

He says, initially, he did not believe in the vaccine, but due to Rajab Mohammad’s continuous efforts, he gained awareness about the polio vaccine and has been regularly vaccinating his children since then.

He added, “Rajab Mohammad changed my perspective by providing precise and scientific explanations and proved to me that vaccines are effective tools for preventing dangerous diseases.”

Therefore, he urges families who do not vaccinate their children to trust the vaccines and vaccinate their children in every campaign.

Saeed, a resident of Sang-e-Safed village, also says that he did not believe in the polio vaccine in the past and had fallen victim to rumors and misinformation. However, Rajab Mohammad changed his view.

He added, “Now, many families in our village regularly vaccinate their children. Rajab Mohammad, as a local hero, raised awareness with his dedication and commitment, encouraging people to vaccinate their children to escape the threat of polio.”

 

Rajab Mohammad holds meetings with people in mosques, houses, and other places in his area, informing them about the dangers of polio and the benefits of the vaccine. © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2024 / Raqiba Hamidi

 

Conclusion

Rajab Mohammad is a leading member of the polio vaccination campaign, with a strong determination and commitment. Through his continuous efforts and hard work, he has educated families about the importance of the polio vaccine.

He continues his fight against the deadly polio disease, keeping alive the hope of a polio-free future in the hearts of the people of Badakhshan.