Sahiba Omari’s Tireless Efforts Against Polio

Balkh, Afghanistan – Sahiba Omari is a committed and diligent volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns who has been at the frontline of the fight against polio in Faryab, Herat, and Balkh provinces for the past seven years.

During this time, she has vaccinated thousands of children, protecting them from this devastating disease.

The fight against polio in Afghanistan has been ongoing for several decades and remains one of the major challenges for the health sector and international aid organizations.

Volunteers and health workers involved in polio vaccination campaigns play a vital role in delivering vaccines and raising awareness across the country, especially in remote areas.

One of these volunteers is 27-year-old Sahiba Omari, who has tirelessly worked in three provinces to help eradicate polio.

Born in Faryab province, she completed her education up to the 12th grade, and after graduating from high school, she started working as a volunteer vaccinator in polio campaigns in her home province.

 

Sahiba Omari is a committed and diligent volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns who has been at the frontline of the fight against polio in Faryab, Herat, and Balkh provinces for the past seven years © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Abdul Saboor Serat

 

A mother of three, Sahiba moved to Herat province a year later due to some challenges and worked there for five years. Since last year, she has returned to Balkh province and continues to work as a vaccinator in polio campaigns in Mazar-e-Sharif.

She says that her three children suffer from various illnesses and she herself has undergone two surgeries. Today marks her thirteenth day out of bed, and she has joined the campaign to safeguard children.

“The health of other children is as important to me as the health of my own children. I work tirelessly to ensure that no child falls victim to polio, and I continuously strive towards this goal,” she adds.

According to her, she began her mission in Faryab province, where raising awareness about polio vaccination was one of the biggest challenges, and security concerns made it difficult to reach some areas and deliver vaccines.

After initial successes, Sahiba started her efforts in Herat and Balkh provinces, which, while relatively safer, still faced social and cultural challenges regarding healthcare. Many families were fearful of vaccines and were misinformed about their safety.

 

In her seven-year career, Sahiba has vaccinated thousands of children against polio, protecting them from this devastating disease © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Abdul Saboor Serat

 

But she showed great patience and determination against these social challenges and educated families about the benefits of vaccination and how it could save their children from polio forever.

Thanks to her efforts, not only was the polio campaign successful in these areas, but she also brought about significant changes in public awareness.

“Gaining people’s trust is the most important thing. Once they understand that you’re working for their health, they will support you,” she says.

Though Sahiba has faced numerous challenges, her strength and commitment has led to her success in overcoming these obstacles.

With patience and skill, she overcame all difficulties, and her greatest achievement has been vaccinating hundreds of children in areas that previously lacked access to vaccines.

Looking ahead, Sahiba remains deeply committed to the fight against polio. She aims to expand vaccine access to more remote areas and strengthen the role of female workers in the process.

Sahiba believes that women’s participation in healthcare can bring about significant improvements in the community’s overall health.

She is among the hardworking women who have made sacrifices for their community under difficult circumstances.

Her efforts and dedication have not only provided a new opportunity for children in her area to be safeguarded from polio, but she has also redefined the role of women in society as a dedicated mother.

By Abdul Saboor Serat, Polio free Afghanistan