Beyond Vaccines: Polio Teams' Lifesaving Efforts in the Kunar Earthquake Response
A Night to Remember: When Disaster Struck Kunar
On a fateful night in September 2025, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Kunar Province, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. As the ground shook, polio workers supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) sprang into action, becoming some of the first responders on the scene. Their swift actions would go on to save countless lives and provide much-needed relief.
The Polio Workers' Unwavering Commitment
Mehrab, a polio vaccinator from Dewagal village, recalls the harrowing moments: "When the earthquake struck, I was at home, asleep. I woke to the violent shaking of the house and the terrified shouts of people outside. Rushing out into the darkness, I was met with a devastating scene—homes collapsed, dust rising into the night air, and the cries of injured neighbors echoing through the village."
Without hesitation, Mehrab dove into the destruction, rescuing people trapped under the rubble and providing first aid. He coordinated with fellow polio vaccinators to ensure a swift and efficient response, delivering immediate first-aid care to those in need. Ahmad Isaq, a District Polio Officer, shares a similar sentiment: "I did everything I could—day and night—to rescue my people and guide help to every village."
Coordinating the Response: Ahmad Isaq's Leadership
Ahmad Isaq's quick thinking and leadership were instrumental in the response efforts. Upon receiving news of the earthquake, he immediately contacted relatives and gathered crucial information about the damage and urgent needs. He then traveled to the affected village, where he coordinated with community elders to establish commissions for transporting the injured to hospitals and assessing people's needs. Working closely with the Kunar Health Department, he assigned medical teams to where they were most needed and supported the setup of makeshift clinics throughout the village.
Dr. Sardar Tayab's Strategic Guidance
Dr. Sardar Tayab, the Polio Eradication Initiative Coordinator for Kunar Province, played a pivotal role in coordinating the response. He instructed Provincial Polio Officers, District Polio Officers, and polio vaccinators to reach the affected areas immediately. At 2:00 a.m., an emergency meeting was convened at the Kunar Health Directorate to coordinate support for the affected districts in collaboration with UN agencies and NGOs. Dr. Tayab also arranged for emergency and trauma kits to be supplied to the earthquake-hit areas, drawing on his familiarity with all parts of the province.
The Polio Team's Around-the-Clock Dedication
The polio team worked tirelessly around the clock to support rescue operations and deliver critical relief. They assisted in digging survivors from the rubble, establishing temporary clinics, and coordinating the delivery of medical supplies and trauma care. They also guided United Nations agencies and NGOs to the hardest-hit villages, ensuring assistance reached remote areas. As Dr. Tayab reflects, "In the darkest hours of the night, our polio team became first responders—rescuing people, delivering emergency care, and guiding lifesaving support to every affected village."
Protecting Children After the Emergency
After the earthquake, displaced families faced an increased risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, particularly among children living in crowded temporary shelters. To reduce this risk, the polio team immediately launched vaccination activities in camps and makeshift settlements. Children received oral polio vaccine (OPV), inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), and measles vaccination to help prevent secondary outbreaks after the disaster. Monthly polio vaccination rounds continued without interruption in the weeks that followed, ensuring the health and well-being of vulnerable children.
A Community's Resilience and Gratitude
Despite the sorrow and loss, the polio workers' dedication and compassion left a lasting impact on the community. Mehrab shares, "I have worked with the Polio Eradication Programme in Dewagal for two years, and during the response I used my local knowledge to guide partners and other UN agencies to the most severely affected areas and to help map where the support was needed most."
The response in Kunar highlights how the polio program supports communities not only through disease prevention but also through emergency response. By remaining on the front lines, the polio team protects children before, during, and after crises, ensuring their well-being and resilience in the face of adversity. What do you think? Do you agree with the polio team's efforts in the Kunar earthquake response? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
