The Consequences of Not Administering Vaccines: Mohammad Wali’s Difficult Life

Helmand, Afghanistan – Mohammad Wali, a 27-year-old who contracted polio as a child and became paralyzed in both legs, has taken on the heavy responsibility of providing for his family despite his disability.

Originally from Khashrud district in Nimroz province, Wali now lives in Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand province.

He recalls being just four years old when he contracted polio as a result of not being vaccinated, which left him paralyzed in both legs.

Although Mohammad Wali faces numerous challenges and relies on the help of others for daily tasks, he still strives to fulfill the hopes his family had for him.

Sitting by the roadside with his crutches, his gaze fixed on his motionless legs, he recounted his challenging life story: "I was only four years old when I contracted polio, after having missed the polio vaccine. First, one of my legs became paralyzed, and soon after, the other followed. From that day forward, I lost the ability to walk, and crutches have been my constant companions ever since."

As the eldest son, Mohammad Wali said, "I bear the heavy responsibility of caring for my elderly father, mother, two sisters, and brother with this disabled body. I provide for them by begging, as I am unable to do any other work."

With pain and deep despair etched on his face, he expressed regret over his situation, saying that if polio hadn’t robbed him of his mobility and he had received an education, he wouldn't be forced to beg and rely on others for help. Instead, he would be working like any other person and leading a normal life.

Wali also lamented the mistreatment he endures from society due to his condition, saying, "People treat me very poorly and call me all kinds of inappropriate names."

Reflecting on his condition, he urges others not to jeopardize their children's futures but to ensure they receive polio vaccines regularly, protecting them from this dangerous disease and sparing them from becoming disabled and a burden on others, as he has.

Mohammad Wali contracted polio at the age of four, leaving both of his legs paralyzed

© Polio Free Afghanistan | 2024 | Saeed Zabuli

Haji Abdullah, a tribal leader from Helmand, commented on the difficult lives of Mohammad Wali and others disabled by polio, saying, "Polio doesn't just affect an individual's life; it also brings long-term harm to families and society."

He highlighted Mohammad Wali as an example of how polio has disabled him, forcing him to beg in order to survive.

"Vaccination is the only effective way to safeguard children's futures from this devastating disease. As community leaders and residents of this land, we have the responsibility to ensure that every child receives the polio vaccine," he added.

Haji Abdullah also emphasized that government and aid organizations should provide comprehensive support to people like Mohammad Wali to reduce their economic burdens and ensure that their children receive an education.

Health experts regard polio as a dangerous disease and stress the importance of vaccination.

A healthcare expert, Dr. Mohammad Naseem, emphasized, "Polio is a dangerous viral disease, and parents must prioritize their children's vaccination."

He added that polio has no cure. If a child becomes infected, they will suffer physical weakness or paralysis, making their future challenging and burdensome on society.

Similarly, religious scholars regard vaccines, including polio vaccines, as beneficial for children's health.

Religious scholar Mawlawi Abdulrahman emphasized, "Vaccines are means of safeguarding children's lives, and every family should recognize their importance. The polio vaccine poses no harm to children; instead, it protects their lives and shields them from permanent disability."

Mohammad Wali's story is not just a personal struggle; it also highlights society's negligence.

Let us vaccinate our children regularly to eradicate polio from Afghanistan once and for all.

Saeed Zabuli | Helmand