Uranus: A Voice for Vaccine Awareness and Advocacy in Badakhshan

Badakhshan, Afghanistan – Uranus Husaini, a 24-year-old journalist from Badakhshan province, has become an influential figure in raising public awareness and providing accurate information about vaccinations.

Through her radio programs, she strives to educate the public about vaccinations, especially the polio vaccine and encourages families to vaccinate their children.

In a society still struggling with limited awareness and misconceptions about vaccines, Uranus Hussaini has become a voice of awareness, working tirelessly to promote the right of children to health and safety, ensuring her message reaches everyone.

 

Starting the Journey: From Hopes to Action

Uranus Hussaini entered the field of journalism with passion and enthusiasm, and from the very start, her main goal was to bring critical health information to the people of Badakhshan in a simple and accessible way

Speaking about her motivation, she said: “From the moment I began journalism, one of my biggest aspirations was to address the health issues of our community in plain language. Vaccination has always been important to me because many children are deprived of this right due to their parents’ lack of awareness.”

For some time now, Uranus has been producing a show titled “Vital information”, which airs weekly on a local radio station every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 10 AM.

This show primarily focuses on children’s vaccinations and other health-related topics,

with time allocated for answering listeners’ questions.

“Radio is the most effective medium for public awareness. In general, the media are the best tools for education and raising awareness, and they have brought about positive changes in society,” she emphasizes.

 

Uranus Hussaini through her radio programs, strives to educate the public about vaccinations, especially the polio vaccine, and encourages families to vaccinate their children © Polio Free Afghanistan/2024/ Raqiba Hamidi

 

Impact on Listeners

One of the most notable achievements of Uranus’ shows is the profound impact they have on families, particularly mothers.

Maryam, a 30-year-old mother and regular listener of the show, shares her experience: “Before listening to Uranus’ programs, I was doubtful about vaccines. But after hearing from health experts on the program, my concerns were alleviated. I now understand that vaccination is the best way to safeguard children from dangerous diseases like polio.”

Nargis, a 35-year-old mother of three, had a similar experience. One of her children contracted a serious illness due to not being vaccinated. However, after listening to Uranus’ health programs, she recognized the importance of vaccines and now ensures all her children are vaccinated regularly.

Nargis emphasizes the value of vaccines and urges, “I ask all parents not to refuse vaccines; it’s our children’s right to be safe and healthy, free from polio and other dangerous diseases.”

Palwasha Nadari, an active polio campaign vaccinator in Badakhshan, also highlights the crucial role media play in encouraging families to vaccinate their children.

“Media have a significant impact in motivating families by providing extensive awareness and accurate information. Heightened awareness through the media has helped people understand the importance of the polio vaccine, leading to greater cooperation during vaccination campaigns,” she explains.

Dr. Azam Mohammadi, a health expert in Badakhshan, also considers media essential in promoting vaccine awareness.

“Programs like Uranus Hussaini’s not only increase the coverage of polio vaccination campaigns but also strengthen public trust in the healthcare system,” he notes.

 

Conclusion

The efforts of Uranus Hussaini demonstrate how media can have a profound and lasting positive impact on society.

Her health programs not only provide families with up-to-date and accurate information on vaccinations but also help build public trust in the healthcare system.

Through her work in Badakhshan, Uranus Hussaini has saved the lives of many children and serves as an inspiring role model for other journalists and social activists.

However, to achieve complete success in eradicating polio, this fight must become a national responsibility, and every member of society must play their part.

Only with widespread public cooperation and increased awareness can we eliminate diseases like polio and ensure the health of future generations.

 

By Raqiba Hamidi, Polio Free Afghanistan