The Efforts of a Dedicated Volunteer to Prevent Polio
Khost, Afghanistan – Zahidullah, a 22-year-old resident of the Topchi area in Khost’s provincial capital, is a committed advocate for protecting the children of his community against polio.
Currently pursuing his studies in the Faculty of Journalism at Sheikh Zayed University, Zahidullah has been volunteering in polio vaccination campaigns for the past three years.
Alongside his academic pursuits, he considers it his responsibility to contribute to safeguarding children from the crippling and deadly disease of polio.
“Starting my work as a volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns was not a coincidence. I had always listened to and watched media programs highlighting the harm caused by polio, and from that time, I resolved to be part of this critical fight,” Zahidullah remarked.
He stated that, as a compassionate individual, he feels deeply distressed when he sees polio victims in his community or hears that the innocent children of his country continue to fall prey to this devastating disease.
He added that, motivated by these emotions, he and his team strive not only to deliver polio vaccines to the children in their area but also to educate families about the dangers of polio and the importance of vaccination.
According to him, the cooperation of local leaders and religious scholars has also played a significant role in raising public awareness. As a result, more individuals now understand the importance of polio vaccination and ensure their children are regularly vaccinated.
Zahidullah and his colleagues strive to vaccinate all the children in their area during each polio campaign, but community cooperation is essential in this effort.
“If even one child is left unvaccinated, the process of eradicating polio slows down. Our goal is to protect all children from this dangerous disease,” he said.
Zahidullah and his team strive not only to deliver polio vaccines to the children in their area but also to educate families about the dangers of polio and the importance of vaccination. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Rahmatullah Marjankhil
Hamayon, the supervisor of Zahidullah and several other volunteers, commends Zahidullah’s efforts in delivering polio vaccines to children. He remarked that volunteers like him stand on the front lines in the fight against polio.
“During each polio vaccination campaign, volunteers deliver polio vaccines to children in every mosque and neighborhood in the area. People must cooperate with them and bring their children for vaccination,” he said.
He added that if any child misses vaccination, parents should take them to the nearest health center to receive the vaccine there.
Gul Rahman, a local tribal leader, noted that the efforts of volunteers in polio vaccination campaigns are highly effective in improving community health and ensuring the safety of children.
“My hope is that one day, the efforts of Zahidullah and other volunteers like him will free Afghanistan from the threat of the poliovirus forever,” he added.
He calls on people to play their part in achieving this vital goal and unite in fighting this scourge.
Zahidullah’s story is not just a tale of one volunteer’s efforts; it is an example of a determined young man’s commitment to fighting for the salvation of his community. Despite being a journalism student, he dedicates his time and energy to combating a disease that paralyzes children and brings pain and sorrow to families in many parts of the country.
He has a clear message for the people: “Polio is a disease that can only be eradicated through vaccination. The future of our children is in our hands. Let’s create a healthy future for them through this means.”
Rahmatullah Marjankhil, Polio Free Afghanistan
