A day in the life of a vaccinator in Badakhshan
Nasrullah climbs mountains and crosses rivers with his cold box, ensuring no children or women are left behind
Syed Nasrullah lives in Loyab village in the north-eastern province of Badakhshan. He has worked as a vaccinator in the basic health centre for over 20 years. The 65-year-old is responsible for both fixed site vaccination and community outreach.
“No child should suffer vaccine-preventable and potentially fatal diseases like measles and polio. I decided to dedicate my time to the cause of immunization and educate caregivers and parents on the benefits of vaccination.”
Nasrullah starts his day at the health centre with an awareness-raising session for mothers and caregivers. In remote places of Badkahshan, vaccinators play a key role in encouraging parents to immunize their children against preventable diseases, building community trust, and reaching children who might otherwise miss out on this crucial preventative care.
As the Autumn sun slowly lifts the morning chill, Nasrullah pulls on gloves and a white coat. He packs different vaccines from the fridge in a cold chain box. Thanks to GAVI’s support, UNICEF has equipped this centre with a solar fridge to keep vaccines at a consistent temperature.
Nasrullah hops on a motorbike, carrying his carefully secured vaccine box, vaccination register, and a packet of disposable gloves.
"Before I leave the clinic, I ensure I have packed all the vaccines I need - TB, tetanus, polio, measles and diphtheria. Every vaccine can save a child's life.”
“There is no school here and no health centre nearby. Children often don’t have access to services like health care and education in these remote areas.”
After an hour's ride, Nasrullah arrives at Sar-Jangal village, exhausted but determined. He climbs up the mountain to reach children in their homes.
As soon as Nasrullah reached the site, mothers and children rush toward him. He is a familiar face for the community, and has vaccinated their children for the last two decades.
“The women in the community who bring their children for vaccination consider me a family member. That is the trust I have earned in these communities.”
Nine-month-old Rohullah receives measles and polio vaccines.
“Nasrullah encourages the mothers in the village to vaccinate their children. He comes every week to ensure all the children in the village are vaccinated. The clinic is far from our village, and not everyone can afford the travel costs to get there,” says Kobra, Rohullah’s mother.
Nasrullah vaccinates as many children as possible. Once his vaccine box is empty, he records the names of the children who will need vaccinations during his next visit.
“I will work as a vaccinator for as long as my health permits. I aim to vaccinate all the children in these remote communities to ensure they grow up healthy.”
