The Heavy Price of Neglect: Najibullah’s Story of Paralysis from Polio
Ghazni, Afghanistan – Najibullah was four years old when he developed a severe fever. His family’s economic situation was poor, and they could not take him to the hospital in time. A few days later, with the help of a neighbor, his father took him to a hospital, but there, doctors informed them that Najibullah had contracted polio.
Najibullah is now 18 years old and lives with the physical limitations caused by polio; both of his legs are paralyzed.
He believes that if he had been vaccinated, he would be healthy today: “If my family had paid attention to vaccination and had me vaccinated in childhood, I would not have contracted polio, and my legs would not have been paralyzed.”
A Farewell to Childhood
For Najibullah, his disability was not just physical; it also meant saying goodbye to the dreams of a child—to run, play, and walk to school on his own feet.
It was also difficult for him to be the eldest child in the family and yet unable to help with household chores.
“When I saw other children playing, running, and laughing, I always asked myself: Why can’t I do that?”
But despite this, Najibullah did not give up. He decided that even if his legs were paralyzed, his hopes should not be. He stood up, tried, and began his struggle for life.
Polio victim, Najibullah, in his classroom © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
A Path to Change Through Education
Najibullah is a twelfth-grade student at Pashtunabad High School in Ghazni city. His teachers and classmates say that paralysis has never weakened his determination; instead, he has strived to change his future through education.
His teacher, Abdullah, says: “Najibullah is a smart and determined student. Although he is paralyzed due to polio, it has never affected his studies. He is especially talented in mathematics and English.”
His classmate Mohammadullah shares a similar view: “We all respect him. He has never sought anyone’s pity; instead, he has tried to be an example of courage and perseverance. Through his character, he has shown us that obstacles are overcome by determined individuals.”
The Pride of His Family
Najibullah’s father, Bismillah Jan, says that when they learned their son had been paralyzed by polio, they were deeply saddened, but Najibullah showed them that paralysis was not the end.
“We feared that disability would cast a shadow over our son’s future — but today, he is a symbol of pride and hope for our family and the entire village.”
He says that Najibullah has fought against all the obstacles and hardships in life, bravely completed his studies up to 12th grade, and is now preparing to pursue bigger goals.
Najibullah: If I had been vaccinated, I would not be disabled today © Polio Free Afghanistan / 2025
A Childhood, A Message
Najibullah has not only learned from his own story but has also turned it into a message to help protect other children.
“Polio is a dangerous disease, but its prevention is very easy—just two drops of vaccination. I urge all parents to vaccinate their children every time, so they do not suffer the same fate as mine,” he says.
He adds: “If my family had paid attention to vaccination back then, I would not be disabled today. Let us not repeat this negligence. Let’s save our children and put an end to polio.”
A Warning, An Inspiration
Dr. Hamidullah, who leads health campaigns in Ghazni, says: “Polio is an incurable disease, but it is preventable. Najibullah’s story shows us how heavy the price of negligence can be. We must continue our efforts so that other children can be saved from this fate.”
