“The Pain of My Polio-Affected Brothers Inspired Me to Fight on the Frontlines Against Polio”

Rahmatullah Marjankhel

Ghazni, Afghanistan – Ata Mohammad, a 28-year-old resident of Joi Chahar in the Andar district of Ghazni province, is a hardworking man who has been inspired by the suffering of his two polio-affected brothers to fight on the frontlines against polio

These victims of polio, aged 14 and 12, contracted the disease in childhood as a result of not receiving vaccination, which has robbed them of the ability to walk.

Ata Mohammad states that the difficult lives of his polio-affected brothers have not only impacted him but have also saddened the entire family. He adds that this painful experience inspired him to volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns and protect other children of the country from this calamity.

“If people could see the condition of my brothers and what our family has gone through, I’m sure they would never refuse to vaccinate their children,” he explains.

 

These victims of polio, aged 14 and 12, contracted the disease in childhood as a result of not receiving vaccination, which has robbed them of the ability to walk © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Rahmatullah Marjankhil

 

According to him, many people in rural areas do not vaccinate their children and fall prey to misinformation; unfortunately, this is also true for his family.

“My parents didn’t prioritize vaccination and didn’t vaccinate the children, and we paid a high price for this neglect. Both of my brothers are now disabled and dependent on others for their daily needs because they were not vaccinated,” he said.

He says that as a result, not only do his brothers face difficult lives, but the lives of other family members have also become more challenging.

However, he adds that he is working to change such mindsets as a volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns. During his two-year tenure, he has persuaded dozens of vaccine-refusing families to vaccinate their children.

Recalling one of his most memorable encounters, he says: “In my area of responsibility, there was a father who always refused to vaccinate his children. To convince him, I would share the difficult lives of my polio-affected brothers, but he still wouldn’t listen. Finally, I invited him to my house, and when he saw my brothers’ condition with his own eyes, he agreed to vaccinate his children.”

 

Fifty-eight-year-old Mohammad Ramadan, a father of eight, including Ata Mohammad and his two polio-affected brothers, says that as a father, he is deeply concerned about the future of his disabled children © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Rahmatullah Marjankhil

 

He emphasizes that people should learn from their situation, avoid neglecting their children’s vaccinations and exposing them to the threat of polio.

Fifty-eight-year-old Mohammad Ramadan, a father of eight, including Ata Mohammad and his two polio-affected brothers, says that as a father, he is deeply concerned about the future of his disabled children.

“Ever since my sons contracted polio, I have taken them to countless doctors for treatment, but they all say the same thing – there is no cure. Every time I see how difficult their lives are, I blame myself because I did not vaccinate them when they were children,” he added.

Considering his situation, he urges people not to neglect this matter and to regularly vaccinate their children to protect them from the deadly threat of polio.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the polio virus.

The virus attacks the nervous system and, in severe cases, can cause permanent paralysis or disability. It is especially dangerous for children under the age of 5, but adults can also contract it.

 

Ata Mohammad states that the difficult lives of his polio-affected brothers have not only impacted him but have also saddened the entire family. He adds that this painful experience inspired him to volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns and protect other children of the country from this calamity © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Rahmatullah Marjankhil

 

Dr. Abdul Mujib Malakzai, a specialist in internal medicine in Ghazni, stresses that while polio has been eradicated in other countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two nations where this disease continues to threaten children’s lives.

He adds that the poliovirus is often transmitted through contaminated water or food, and those who have not received the polio vaccine are at greater risk.

He stated that the only effective way to prevent this dangerous disease is through vaccination. A few drops of the vaccine can protect children from this illness.

The story of Ata Mohammad’s two polio-affected brothers serves as a clear example to society, demonstrating how failure to vaccinate can lead to lifelong disability from polio. Taking care of children’s health is an essential responsibility. The polio vaccine only takes a few seconds to administer but can save children from the devastation of this disease.