The Fight Against Polio: The Story of Ahmad Shah’s Efforts and Dedication

Kabul, Afghanistan – In the Deh Sabz district of Kabul, a young man works tirelessly every day to protect children from polio. Ahmad Shah, originally from the Qarabagh district of Kabul, now resides in the Katah Khel area of Deh Sabz district and has been part of the polio vaccination campaigns for the past several years.

As a dedicated volunteer, he walks 20 kilometers daily during each campaign to deliver polio vaccines to children.

 

Efforts and Dedication

Deh Sabz district, particularly the village of Khas Deh Sabz, located about 20 kilometers from Pul-e-Charkhi, is known for its rough roads and harsh environmental conditions. During the winter, rainfall and snowfall make these roads even more difficult to navigate. Despite these conditions, Ahmad Shah delivers vaccines to children and raises awareness about the dangers of polio among local communities.

A few years ago, he started working as a vaccinator at a local health center but soon realized that merely administering vaccines was not enough. Changing people’s minds and raising public awareness about the dangers of polio was also essential. Consequently, he began working as a volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns.

He says, “The roads leading to the villages are challenging, but I know my efforts are worth enduring this hardship because if vaccines aren’t delivered to children regularly, polio will spread.”

 

Gaining Trust

Skepticism towards vaccines and the spread of misinformation and rumors often pose significant challenges to Ahmad Shah’s work.

He says, “Some people think that the polio vaccine harms children instead of benefiting them. In reality, they are influenced by rumors and misinformation. I try to provide them with accurate information about the dangers of polio and the benefits of the vaccine, encouraging them to protect their children from this incurable disease through vaccination.”

According to him, gaining people’s trust and delivering accurate information to them is a crucial part of the fight against polio.

 

Ahmad Shah, who continues to vaccinate children and raise awareness among families about the dangers of polio and preventive measures against it, says, “This is not just a job, it’s a national and religious duty.” © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Hosai Ahmadzai

 

Impacts and a Positive Change

As a result of Ahmad Shah’s efforts, many families have come to appreciate the value of the polio vaccine and now responsibly vaccinate their children during every campaign.

Abdul Rahman, a resident of Deh Sabz district and father of three, says, “Ahmad Shah, as a compassionate individual, not only vaccinates our children but also educates us about the dangers of polio, the importance of the vaccine, and other preventive measures against this disease.”

He adds that the efforts of Ahmad Shah and other volunteers in the polio vaccination campaigns are highly commendable. If people cooperate with them, no child will suffer from the crippling and deadly disease of polio.

 

A National and Religious Duty

Ahmad Shah, who continues to vaccinate children and raise awareness among families about the dangers of polio and preventive measures against it, says, “This is not just a job, it’s a national and religious duty.”

He is pleased that his efforts, along with those of his fellow volunteers, have led to positive changes. Compared to the past, more people now understand the value of the polio vaccine and ensure their children are vaccinated regularly.

He emphasizes that vaccination is the only means to prevent this dangerous disease that has no cure and causes permanent paralysis in children.

“We must all work together to eradicate this dangerous disease. Every child saved from the threat of polio is a victory for the entire community,” he adds.

Ahmad Shah’s story illustrates that, despite all obstacles, commitment and collective effort can ensure the health of children and a brighter future for society.

The efforts of Ahmad Shah and his colleagues demonstrate that challenges like polio can only be eradicated through unity, awareness, and action.

Hosai Ahmadzai, Polio Free Afghanistan