A twelve-year journey of saving lives: the story of Faizullah Faizi's efforts

Logar, Afghanistan - In the village of Zarghoon Shahr, located in the Mohammad Agha district of Logar province, when the topic of true service arises, the name of Faizullah Faizi is on everyone's lips.
Faizullah Faizi is not just a name, but a symbol of unwavering resolve, someone who has dedicated the past twelve years to saving the lives of children in his region.
This is the story of a committed volunteer who persevered through every hardship, never once letting the vaccine carrier box slip from his shoulder.

A sacred choice

Twelve years ago, when Faizullah Faizi took his first step as a volunteer in the polio eradication campaign in his region, the conditions were extremely challenging. At that time, misconceptions about the vaccine, public apathy, and, in some cases, families’ refusal to vaccinate their children were major obstacles that made every step difficult for Faizi and his colleagues.
But Faizi set out with a higher humanitarian purpose in mind: "I do not want a single child in my village to fall victim to permanent paralysis because of polio and become a burden on their family and community."
It was this conviction that led him to dedicate his life to this sacred cause.

 Faizi and his team administer the polio vaccine to children. © Polio Free Afghanistan | 2026

Efforts and achievements

Over the past twelve years, Faizi has been more than just a vaccinator; he has been a trust-builder, an awareness-spreader, and an active voice within his community.
He has traveled to dozens of hard-to-reach areas, from long and difficult journeys to alleys where people were deeply skeptical of the vaccine. Yet, Faizi never turned back.
As a result of his persistent efforts, many families who once refused the vaccine have now become supporters of the campaign, vaccination rates among children in the region have increased, and public awareness about polio has grown considerably.
Faizi has not merely knocked on doors; he has found his way into people's hearts. He has engaged with every family through respect, patience, and reasoned dialogue, convincing them that vaccination is a vital step toward securing their children's future.

 Faizi and his team work to ensure every child is vaccinated. © Polio Free Afghanistan | 2026

A lasting memory and a life lesson

Faizi tells a story he will never forget. He says: "There was once a family in a remote area who absolutely refused to have their child vaccinated. I spent nearly three hours speaking with the head of that family. I told him the stories of children who today lie bedridden for life because of polio. When that father finally agreed to have his child vaccinated, tears of joy filled my eyes. In that moment, I felt that I had saved a life."

Faizi's message: A voice for all

With over a decade of experience, Faizi has a clear and resolute message for the community: "Children are a trust from God, placed in your hands. Do not leave them defenseless against disease. Support those who wish the best for your children. In truth, polio will only be eradicated when we unite and say 'no' to it together."

Conclusion: A beacon of hope

Faizi's twelve years of service in the Mohammad Agha district of Logar province prove that change does not come through slogans, but through action and perseverance. To this day, he continues his work with the hope that one day Afghanistan will be declared polio-free and that no child will ever again be robbed of a full life by this disease.
Faizi's story shows us that each one of us can be a hero in our own community, if only we choose to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Behind his vaccine carrier and his smile lies the healthy future of thousands of children.
Let us also, like Faizi, take responsibility for the health and well-being of our communities.