A Life-Changing Voice Against Polio in Paktika

Paktika, Afghanistan – In Paktika, a province with many remote areas, a local radio station called “Pashtun Ghagh” (Pashtun Voice) has become a powerful force in raising awareness about polio prevention.

This station, which broadcasts on 89.4 FM from Sharan, the provincial capital, reaches not only Paktika but also neighboring provinces of Ghazni, Paktia, and Maidan Wardak.

As a trusted source, the station has brought positive change to the lives of many through special social and health programs, encouraging parents to actively participate in polio vaccination campaigns to protect their children from this dangerous disease.

Mohammad Yasin Yasin, the head of the station, said, "In our broadcasts, we continually provide information about the importance of vaccines and the dangers of polio. Our goal is to ensure this vital message reaches every household so that awareness about polio prevention increases."

He added that the radio is a critical source for accessing information. He explained that they regularly produce and broadcast special health programs, featuring doctors and religious scholars who address public concerns about polio vaccination from both medical and religious perspectives.

According to Yasin, these programs are not only crucial for increasing public awareness but also effective in countering the misinformation and rumors that create resistance against polio vaccination.

Yasin further highlighted that the station broadcasts special messages urging the public to actively participate in polio vaccination campaigns, with the aim of freeing Paktika and Afghanistan from the scourge of polio.

As a trusted source, local radio stations have brought positive change to the lives of many through special social and health programs, encouraging parents to actively participate in polio vaccination campaigns to protect their children from this dangerous disease

© Polio Free Afghanistan | 2024 | Rahmatullah Marjankhil

Religious scholars, a vital part of the community, also acknowledge the crucial role that local radio stations and other outlets play in conveying essential health and social messages to the public.

Mullah Mohammad Nabi Haqparast, a religious scholar from Sharan, stated that in current conditions, awareness teams are unable to reach every household directly, making it necessary to deliver health messages, especially regarding polio prevention, through radios.

Haqparast who regularly raises awareness through radio broadcasts, states, "In Islam, protecting health and preventing diseases is highly important. Polio, as a contagious disease, must be taken seriously, and vaccination is an excellent and effective way to prevent it. It is crucial for people to have accurate information about the value of vaccines to take positive steps for the health of their community."

Abdul Rahman, a volunteer in polio vaccination campaigns, praised the role of local radio stations in raising awareness about polio, highlighting that their efforts have been instrumental in changing public attitudes.

"At first, many people were concerned about polio vaccination and hesitant to vaccinate their children. But now, thanks to the programs aired by local radio stations, people have come to understand that polio is a very dangerous disease and that prevention is only possible through vaccination. As a result, the participation rate in polio vaccination campaigns has significantly increased," he said.

Saifullah Haqmal, a resident of Yusufkhel district in Paktika, whose family learned about the dangers of polio and the benefits of vaccination through the broadcasts of the "Pashtun Ghagh" (Pashtun Voice) radio station, shared, "We listen to health programs from Pashtun Ghagh and other local radio stations almost every day. Through these, we’ve learned about the dangers of polio and the benefits of vaccination. Religious scholars and doctors also participate in these programs, addressing our concerns from both a medical and religious standpoint."

He added that he had previously been skeptical about the polio vaccination, but he now understands that if children are not vaccinated, they could face the threat of permanent disability from polio.

Pashtun Ghagh is not the only station broadcasting in Paktika. There are a total of four active radio stations in the province—one state-owned and three private.

Together, these stations have raised public awareness about the importance of health, particularly concerning polio vaccination, and have played a significant role in increasing participation in vaccination campaigns.

Rahmatullah Marjankhil | Paktika