Victory Against Disability: The Story of Dr. Noor Ali Mansoor’s Strong Will
Saeed Zabuli
Kandahar, Afghanistan – Dr. Noor Ali Mansoor, a 32-year-old physician, is a shining example of strong will and unwavering determination. Despite being paralyzed in one leg in his childhood due to polio, his disability did not diminish his hopes for a better future. With the support of his family, he completed his education and now serves his community in the healthcare sector with love and dedication.
Mansoor, a resident of the Mirwais Mina neighborhood in Kandahar city, recalls how he contracted polio: “I was four years old when I contracted polio. Even though vaccination volunteers used to come to our area, perhaps people did not give much importance to vaccinating their children at that time. As a result, I missed the vaccine and contracted the polio virus.”
Mansoor added that his family made significant efforts to treat his disability, not only in Afghanistan but also by traveling to hospitals in neighboring countries. Unfortunately, as polio is incurable, their efforts proved futile.
“In the end, my left leg was permanently paralyzed,” he added with sorrow.
Mansoor added that his family made significant efforts to treat his disability, not only in Afghanistan but also by traveling to hospitals in neighboring countries. Unfortunately, as polio is incurable, his treatment proved futile © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Saeed Zabuli
Mansoor said in this regard, “I always hoped to study like other able-bodied individuals and be capable of serving my community.”
Despite his polio-induced disability, Mansoor has become a living example of inspiration for many others facing similar challenges.
“Based on the belief I had in myself, I not only completed my education but also pursued religious studies, which was another great dream of mine,” he added.
Speaking about his career, Mansoor explained: “After graduating from university, I started working as a volunteer at Kandahar’s Momand Hospital. Later, I worked at a health center in Shah Wali Kot district and then served as a healthcare worker in Zhari district. Now, I am working with a health organization in Helmand province, focusing on preventing child malnutrition.”
One of Mansoor’s close friends, Ahmadullah, shared how inspiring his life has been, stating, “If Mansoor had been vaccinated in his childhood, he wouldn’t have been disabled today. But education opened a new path for him and eased the burden of his disability” © Polio Free Afghanistan/ 2024/ Saeed Zabuli
Mansoor often educates people about the dangers of polio and the benefits of vaccination. He said that his biggest dream is for Afghanistan to one day be declared polio-free.
“Whenever I meet people, I tell them the story behind my disability and explain that if I had been vaccinated as a child, I wouldn’t have been disabled today,” he stated.
Mansoor warns families, stating, “Polio is a dangerous and contagious virus. Every family must ensure their children are vaccinated against polio to prevent infection and permanent disability.”
One of Mansoor’s close friends, Ahmadullah, shared how inspiring his life has been, stating, “If Mansoor had been vaccinated in his childhood, he wouldn’t have been disabled today. But education opened a new path for him and eased the burden of his disability.”
Religious scholars also emphasize the importance of vaccination for children.
Mawlawi Ismatullah Rahmani says, “Polio is a deadly disease that causes permanent paralysis. Every family must ensure their children are vaccinated to protect them from both death and lifelong disability.”
