Site to site: Bakhtiar Sahil’s journey of hope
A young volunteer whose persistence and dedication are bringing hope for a healthier future to the children of Logar
Logar, Afghanistan – With the first light of dawn, when the streets of Mohammad Agha District still lie in quiet, 33-year-old Bakhtiar Sahel begins his daily mission. A small vaccine carrier rests in his hand, yet he carries a far heavier burden on his shoulders, the hopes of hundreds of families and the dreams of a brighter future for their children.
Bakhtiar, who now lives in the Ashab Baba neighborhood of Pul-e-Kandahari, has spent the last seven years working in polio vaccination campaigns as a volunteer, vaccinator, and supervisor. His daily work isn’t just about administering vaccines; it involves building trust and raising awareness within the community.
To support this effort, he meets with his colleagues before the day begins, reviews their plans, and goes over the list of households that need to be reached.
In a calm yet confident tone, he says, “Our goal is to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.”
On campaign days, vaccinating the first child at the designated site is always a special moment. Parents bring their children in their arms, the atmosphere fills with smiles and quiet joy, and these are moments that ease Bakhtiar’s fatigue.
Polio vaccination teams prepare for the campaign © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2026
A father named Noor Mohammad, holding his young child by the hand as he brought him to the vaccination site, told Bakhtiar, “My children are my future, and I do not want them to face a disease that can be prevented. I tell all parents to vaccinate their children-it is our responsibility.”
Bakhtiar greets children warmly and speaks to them in a way that eases their fear. For him, this is not just a duty, it is a relationship built on trust.
He explains, “My work isn’t just giving vaccines. I try to convince parents who still have doubts. I share stories with them, show them pictures and videos, so they can understand the consequences of not vaccinating children against polio.”
These efforts have made a real impact. In areas where some families were once hesitant, now wait for the vaccination teams. They have come to understand that these small drops can mean the difference between a healthy life and lifelong paralysis.
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under the age of five and can cause lifelong paralysis. There is no cure for the disease, but just two simple drops of the vaccine can protect children from this dangerous virus. For this reason, every round of vaccination is considered a vital step in saving children’s lives.
A vaccinator administers the polio vaccine to a child as family members stand nearby © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2026
A community elder, Haji Mir Hamza Suleimankhel, says, “Individuals like Bakhtiar show us how important children’s health is. But this is not their responsibility alone, we all must do our part. If every family vaccinates their children, we can protect our community from polio.”
A local doctor who runs a small clinic in the area, Dr. Obaidullah Gharwal, also says, “Thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers, vaccination coverage has improved. If these efforts continue, we will achieve a polio-free community in the near future.”
But for Bakhtiar, the most important change is the shift in people’s mindset.
He says that families now understand that children’s health is not only the responsibility of parents, but also a shared responsibility of the entire community.
Throughout the day, Bakhtiar moves from site to site, ensuring that every child is vaccinated. At times, he faces fatigue and challenges, but he does give up. For him, each child represents a unique story and a distinct hope.
As the day comes to an end and the sun dips behind the mountains, Bakhtiar reflects on the results of his work, more children protected, more parents convinced, and one step closer to a polio-free future for the community.
A volunteer administers vaccine to a child while his colleagues record the data © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2026
With firm conviction, he says, “Every immunized child makes our community stronger. This is not just a job; it is my life’s purpose.”
Bakhtiar Sahel’s story is not just the story of one individual; it is a story of commitment, persistence, and humanity. It shows that even one person can create change-if they are sincere, dedicated, and willing to serve their community.
Today, in the Ashab Baba area, a new chapter of trust has begun. Families now wait equally for vaccination teams and bring their children forward with full willingness, as the community gradually moves toward a healthier future.
Behind this change are individuals like Bakhtiar, who rise each morning with one single hope: No child should be left behind.
