The story of a youth whose right arm and both legs have been paralyzed by polio
Rahmatullah Marjankhil
Ghazni, Afghanistan – Zabihullah, approximately 34 years old, contracted polio at the age of seven, leading to paralysis in his right hand and both legs, which forced him to rely on others for his daily needs.
He lives in a rented house in the Qala-e Amir Mohammad Khan area of Ghazni city with his wife and four children: three daughters and one son.
Zabihullah mentions that he is the eldest among his three brothers and four sisters, all of whom are healthy. He is the only one sibling who contracted polio, resulting in his disability.
He, who was seated sadly among his children, expressed with pain, “As the eldest son of my parents, they had high hopes for me. They wanted me to be healthy like my peers, study, become a doctor, and serve my community. But polio shattered both their and my dreams.
He added that he was just seven years old when he contracted polio. Which paralyzed his right hand and both legs, rendering him unable to stand or walk ever again.
According to him, during that time, the region was plagued by conflict. The living conditions were poor, and there was a lack of awareness about the polio vaccine, which resulted in him contracting polio.
Zabihullah, who contracted polio at the age of seven and paralyzed his right arm and both legs, sitting among his children. © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Rahmatullah Marjankhil
He explains that when he became an adult, his parents began considering marriage for him, and he eventually married around the age of 25.
“Considering my situation, I initially didn’t plan on getting married. However, my parents voiced their worries, asking, ‘How long will we be able to help you with your difficulties?’ We want you to have a partner who will assist you in life’s affairs,” He added.
According to him, although he feels at ease in his wife’s company, his inability to find a job and his poor financial situation causes him considerable distress.
Referring to his residence, Zabihullah stated that he has rented this house with his married sister, and her husband contributes half of the rent.
He mentions that he sometimes goes outdoors in his wheelchair by himself. And some people help him by giving him charity and zakat, which helps him cover the rent for his home and the expenses of his children.
He mentioned that, currently, his primary focus is on his young children. Considering his own situation, he ensures not only their health by regularly vaccinating them but also prioritizes their education.
He desires for his children to fulfill the wishes that his parents had for him.
His hope is that the next generation won’t experience similar disabilities, preventing them from becoming burdens on others. In this regard, he urges all parents to vaccinate their children in every campaign and safeguard them from polio.
The sister of polio-affected Zabihullah, Gul Sima, says that if her brother had been vaccinated during childhood, he would not be disabled now. © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Rahmatullah Marjankhil
Zabihullah’s sister, Gul Sima, who was busy washing a carpet, remarked about her brother’s condition, “My brother contracted polio in his childhood, an incurable disease that left him disabled. We’ve been dealing with his condition for years now, and have no choice but to endure it. I wish there had been a vaccine available when he was young; perhaps then he wouldn’t be in this situation today.”
She expressed that if her brother had not been disabled, he wouldn’t have been dependent on others. He would have been able to work, earn a living, and improve not only his own life but also the lives of the entire family.
As a mother to several children herself, she urges all parents, especially mothers, to safeguard their children from polio and prevent them from enduring permanent disability.
She adds that, unfortunately, polio has no cure and can only be prevented through vaccination. She insists that every parent should regularly vaccinate all their children under the age of five and protect them from this debilitating disease.
