A four-day polio vaccination campaign for children is set to begin in the eastern zone, where, according to officials from the Expanded Program on Immunization, 98 percent of children currently have access to the polio vaccine thanks to their efforts.
Officials say that during this campaign, which starts on Monday, nearly 1.4 million children will be vaccinated.
Dr. Hakam Khan Gulabzoi, head of the Expanded Program on Immunization in the eastern zone, said:
“This campaign will last four days, targeting all children under five years of age. Around 950,000 children in Nangarhar Province and 1,450,000 children across the eastern zone are our goal. The campaign involves 6,000 vaccinators, supported technically by 580 supervisors and 110 coordinators.”
The launch ceremony in the eastern zone also included some polio survivors, who urged families to ensure their children are vaccinated.
Ghulam Haidar, a 28-year-old from Kot District in Nangarhar, shared his story: he contracted polio at age two and is now paralyzed. He blames his family for not vaccinating him and warns others to vaccinate their children to prevent similar suffering.
“I am paralyzed because I was not vaccinated. In the past, when vaccines were brought to villages, people would refuse and not allow their children to be vaccinated. I urge all families to vaccinate their children on time, so they do not face the problems I have,” Ghulam Haidar said.
He explained that paralysis has made daily life extremely difficult, and the only way to prevent permanent paralysis is by giving children polio drops. “My challenges are many. I use a wheelchair while seeing others walk on their own legs. This situation is very discouraging, but we must remain hopeful and continue the fight,” he added.
Health officials reported that they have successfully reached all previously inaccessible areas where children were deprived of vaccination due to insecurity.
They also emphasized ongoing efforts to counter misconceptions and negative beliefs about the vaccine.
