Ursala Umar Khel: A Committed Polio Vaccination Campaign Mobilizer in Balkh
Abdul Saboor Serat
Balkh, Afghanistan – In Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, Ursala Umar Khel, a social mobilizer for the polio vaccination campaign, tirelessly informs dozens of families about the harms of polio and the benefits of vaccination.
Polio is one of the diseases that continues to be targeted for eradication through public awareness and vaccination efforts.
The role of female volunteers in these efforts is crucial, and one of the standout names is Ursala Umar Khel, who educates families about the polio vaccine during polio vaccination campaigns.
Twenty-year-old Ursala was born into a dedicated family, and from an early age, she felt a strong desire to serve her country and people. This dedication shaped her educational path, and she is currently pursuing studies in midwifery.
Ursula has been working as a mobilizer for the polio vaccination campaign for the past two years, informing approximately 80 families each day about the dangers of polio and the benefits of vaccination.
“In my two years of work, I have convinced countless families to vaccinate their children. They now understand that the polio vaccine is the only way to protect their children from this crippling disease,” she says.
Ursula has been working as a mobilizer for the polio vaccination campaign for the past two years, informing approximately 80 families each day about the dangers of polio and the benefits of the vaccine © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Abdul Saboor Serat
In a society where many people still fall prey to misinformation and rumors about the polio vaccine, Ursala has faced her share of challenges. However, her dedication and courage have never wavered.
Umar Khel is not only committed to eradicating polio but also intends to continue serving people in the future. According to her, if a child contracts polio, their family and community are put at risk.
Ursala Umar Khel is assisted by Farishta in her awareness efforts.
She says that Ursala works every day from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., regardless of the circumstances, and remains fully committed to her duties.
According to Farishta, the two of them explain the value of the polio vaccine to families, dispel misinformation and fears about the vaccine, and reassure people that the polio vaccine is safe and essential.
She adds that, in addition to their various activities, they constantly coordinate with health teams and vaccinators to ensure every child is vaccinated and that none are left behind.
Both Farishta and Ursala call on all mothers to cooperate with polio campaign volunteers and vaccinate their beloved children to protect them from the dangers of polio.
The efforts of Ursala Umar Khel and Farishta demonstrate that the dedication and hard work of an individual can significantly impact the community, making them inspiring examples for society.
