Two Drops of the Polio Vaccine: People Have Now Understood Its Value
Hosai Ahmadzai
Kabul, Afghanistan – Abdul Shakoor Haidari is a dedicated 28-year-old volunteer for the polio vaccination campaign who has been working tirelessly in Kabul’s first district for the past seven years, ensuring every child receives the crucial polio vaccine.
Haidari while carrying a vaccine carrier box on his shoulder and searching the streets for children under five years of age in his designated area, stated, “As a result of the extraordinary efforts of volunteers, many families have become more aware and have now understood the value of the polio vaccine.”
He added that now family elders eagerly ask them to vaccinate their children.
This change has brought joy to Haidari, who believes that if all people prioritize the health of their children and ensure they receive regular vaccinations, polio will soon be eradicated from Afghanistan.
He remarked, “A few years ago, during vaccination campaigns we would beg people to their children. However, in recent years, there has been a notable increase in awareness. Now, they actively request us to vaccinate their children, and if there’s any delay in the campaign, they inquire about the reason for the delay.”
He says that this situation has boosted the morale of the volunteers, and he thinks that as a result of their years of hard work, people have now understood the value of vaccination and are happily vaccinating their children.
Haidari stated, “Polio is a dangerous disease that destroys the lives of children and their families. That’s why I am determined to ensure that not a single child in my area of responsibility misses a vaccination. I consider it my religious and national duty.”
He considers convincing numerous reluctant families to vaccinate their children to be one of his proudest achievements over the last seven years.
Polio vaccinator Abdul Shakoor Haidari while carrying a vaccine carrier box on his shoulder and searching the streets for children under five years of age in his designated area, stated, “As a result of the extraordinary efforts of volunteers, many families have become more aware and have now understood the value of the polio vaccine” © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/Hosai Ahmadzai
As an example, he cites a family in the first district of Kabul city who initially refused to vaccinate their children.
Haidari recounted, “During the early days of my work, I encountered a family where the elder adamantly told me to leave, stating that they did not vaccinate their children. But I persisted; I talked with him and tried to convince him to vaccinate his children, yet he remained unconvinced. Eventually, I sought assistance from my manager. Together with the local leader (Malik) and Mullah of the area, we visited his home. After numerous discussions and explanations, we successfully convinced him to allow us to vaccinate his four children.”
He expresses that this memory holds a special place in his heart, and it is something he will never forget.
He pledges to persist in his unwavering dedication to eradicating polio, vowing to continue his efforts until Afghanistan is entirely free from the disease.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Sharaf Zaman, praised the tireless efforts of the volunteers in combating polio and mentioned that the ministry is committed to fighting against this polio.
He added that, as a result of the collective efforts of the volunteers and partner agencies, the number of refusing families has decreased.
He states that in the past years, approximately 4 million children were deprived of campaigns due to conflicts. However, with recent improvements in security, 3.6 million children have been reached, and this number continues to increase day by day.
