The Children of Ghor; Toward a Bright and Healthy Future

Ghor, Afghanistan – In a relatively spacious hall, the sounds of children crying and laughing mingle with the voices of parents soothing their little ones.

This is the vaccination unit of Ghor Provincial Hospital, where parents, full of care and eagerness, entrust their children to the protective embrace of healthcare workers for the polio vaccine.

The long lines of mothers holding their newborns and other young children in their arms highlight the importance of vaccination for families in this province.

 

Increasing Awareness, Raising Hopes

Abdul Sattar Mowafaq, Director of Public Health in Ghor, expresses satisfaction with this positive change, stating, “On average, 1,200 children are vaccinated daily in Ghor’s health centers. This indicates an increase in public awareness and growing trust in healthcare services.”

He adds that there are no issues in the vaccination process, which continues smoothly with the support of dedicated staff and sufficient resources.

In the past, the vaccination process faced challenges due to low levels of awareness and misconceptions. However, thanks to extensive public awareness campaigns and the persistent efforts of health teams, families have now recognized the value of vaccination and are motivated to take serious steps to protect their children.

 

On average, 1,200 children are vaccinated daily in Ghor’s health centers. This indicates an increase in public awareness and growing trust in healthcare services. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Marzia Frotan

 

Mothers’ Stories: Difficult Journeys to Save Children

Shafiqa, a 36-year-old mother from the Maydanak area, brought her two children to this hospital for vaccination.

She shared that traveling two hours by motorcycle from her village to Ferozkoh is not easy, but she undertakes this journey every month vaccinate her children.

“In the past, I lacked information and didn’t vaccinate my children. But now that I know polio can paralyze children, I never miss their vaccinations,” she said.

Shafiqa’s story is just one example of hundreds of mothers who bring their children from remote areas to Ghor’s health centers for vaccination.

They understand that these efforts not only safeguard their children’s health but also their future.

 

Women on the Frontline in the Fight Against Polio

Zainab, a vaccinator at Ghor Provincial Hospital, proudly speaks about the increase in child vaccinations.

“In the past, people’s interest was low, but now even families from distant villages come here for vaccination. This shows that people have understood the importance, of vaccines,” she said.

Zainab and other female and male vaccinators like her are at the forefront of this fight with full dedication.

They not only vaccinate children but also serve as messengers of hope and awareness for families who see their children’s future secured through these small yet crucial interventions.

 

Shafiqa, a 36-year-old mother from the Maydanak area, has brought her two children to this hospital for vaccination. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Marzia Frotan

 

Ghor: A Leading Province in Polio Prevention

Although no polio cases have been reported in Ghor over the past three years, public health officials remain vigilant.

Due to the spread of the poliovirus in some provinces of the country, there is a serious risk of the virus being transmitted to Ghor. Consequently, the vaccination process for children has become more accelerated than ever before.

Ghor’s health centers stand as strongholds against this dangerous virus. These centers not only treat illnesses but also play a crucial role in protecting and safeguarding future generations from disease.

In this collective effort, the determination of families, the support of the community, and the hard work of healthcare workers have come together to make Ghor a national model of success in the fight against polio.

 

Conclusion:

Despite social and geographical challenges, Ghor province has demonstrated that with awareness, coordination, and commitment, it is possible to stand against diseases like polio.

The stories of Shafiqa, Zainab, and hundreds of vaccinated children are tales of hope and progress, demonstrating that freeing Afghanistan from the poliovirus is achievable.

Marzia Frotan, Polio Free Afghanistan