The Tireless Struggle of Brave Volunteers on the Frontline Against Polio

Kandahar, Afghanistan – On a warm morning as the sun begins to rise, Abdul Rahman, a dedicated vaccinator, stands with his fellow volunteers at the zero point of the Durand Line in Spin Boldak District, waiting to administer the polio vaccine to travelers crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Abdul Rahman and his colleagues have a clear mission: to administer two drops of the polio vaccine to travelers crossing between the two countries, preventing the spread of this dangerous disease.

This border area is one of the busiest routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with thousands of people, including families and children, crossing it daily.

Consequently, this route has become the frontline in the fight against the potential spread of polio, with teams of volunteers deployed daily to vaccinate hundreds, if not thousands, of children and adults.

Carrying a vaccine box on his shoulder, Abdul Rahman diligently observes every traveler and administers the polio vaccine with care and kindness.

 

Abdul Rahman and his colleagues have a clear mission: to administer two drops of the polio vaccine to travelers crossing between the two countries, preventing the spread of this dangerous disease. © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Saeed Zabuli

 

He emphasizes the importance of the polio vaccine while speaking with travelers, saying, “We are here to prevent the possible spread of the poliovirus through you. If, God forbid, the virus spreads through you, it could endanger the lives of countless children.”

He adds that the polio vaccine is vital for everyone traveling along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as the poliovirus can be transmitted by people of any age. According to him, Spin Boldak District is one of the areas under close observation due to the potential transmission and spread of the poliovirus.

“Due to the frequent travel in this area, the risk of virus transmission is always present. Our team’s goal is to prevent it through vaccination. Vaccination here is not limited to children; it is for everyone, as people of any age can carry the disease from one country to another,” Abdul Rahman stated.

Another vaccinator named Jamal, who was administering two drops of the polio vaccine to a child, said, “We are fighting a battle here on the frontline against an invisible enemy that can cause permanent paralysis in children.”

He added that his job is not just an ordinary job; it is a national duty that protects children’s lives.

“I administer the polio vaccine to every child with the hope that they will have a bright and healthy future, free from the devastating effects of this disease, which causes permanent disability,” he states.

Travelers along the Spin Boldak route commend the efforts of the polio vaccination volunteers, acknowledging the significant responsibility they fulfill.

 

Spin Boldak District is one of the areas under close observation due to the potential transmission and spread of the poliovirus © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Saeed Zabuli

 

A traveler named Mohammad Salim, who was journeying from Quetta to Kandahar with his family, said, “Whenever I travel this route, I see volunteers vaccinating travelers against polio. This not only saves the lives of children but also prevents the spread of the virus within the community.”

He added that administering the polio vaccine is the only way to protect their families and future generations from this dangerous virus.

Another traveler, Abdul Nafi, noted that in border areas with frequent cross-border movement, the risk of poliovirus transmission is high.

He adds that the vaccinators present here give them confidence that their children are safe and help protect them from the transmission and spread of the virus.

“I urge people to recognize the value of this effort and cooperate with the volunteers so that our country can be free from the threat of the poliovirus,” he says.

Health experts emphasize that vaccinating individuals of all ages, especially in border areas, is crucial in preventing the spread of the poliovirus.

Dr. Noor Ullah, a health expert, emphasized the exceptional importance of polio vaccination in border areas, explaining that the constant movement of people between countries significantly increases the risk of virus transmission.

He added that if the virus is transmitted across borders, it could pose a serious threat to the entire region.

According to him, the presence of vaccinators at zero-point areas in border regions is crucial to stopping the virus at the early stages of transmission, and this is the only way to prevent a widespread outbreak of the disease.

 

By Saeed Zabuli, Polio Free Afghanistan