A displaced mother’s pursuit to protect her children from diseases
Not even the displacement will stop Anfal from seeking lifesaving vaccines for her daughter
Anfal Mohammed and her family were displaced by the horrors of conflict from Kh-Bahari in Khartoum. Today they find themselves in Madani city, where hope and opportunity beckons from every corner.
Back home, Anfal and her husband, both hardworking individuals had secured employment and rented a humble abode for their family.
Before the conflict, Anfal had made it a priority to take her children including the youngest Maysoon now aged 23 months to a nearby health centre for regular check-ups and vaccinations. However, the ravages of the ongoing conflict severed their connection to those vital healthcare services. Determined not to let her youngest’s well-being suffer, Anfal sought a solution upon their arrival in Madani.
Eager to find the nearest health facility, Anfal approached her neighbor as her current source of comfort and guidance in the surroundings. Anfal understood the immense value of vaccines in shielding her children from debilitating diseases like polio, measles, and tuberculosis. Armed with knowledge and a mother's unwavering determination, she embarked on a mission to secure her daughters' health.
Recently, Maysoon received her second dose of the measles vaccine at the Banat health centre, an important milestone. Anfal couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and relief as the healthcare professionals handed her a vaccine card, a tangible reminder of the care her daughter had received. Though her original card remained behind in Bahari, this new one symbolized a fresh start and a glimmer of hope for a better and healthier future.
Maysoon is now protected from measles, a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children but can also infect adults who are not immune. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, making it easily transmissible in crowded or unvaccinated populations. Vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is a highly effective preventive measure, helping to control outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations including those displaced currently residing in overcrowded places from this potentially dangerous disease.
Anfal's journey to the health centre was relatively smooth, aided by the proximity of their new home to the facility. The warm-hearted vaccinators at the centre welcomed her with open arms, recognizing the importance of accessible healthcare for every child, regardless of their circumstances. The unwavering dedication of these healthcare heroes working tirelessly to ensure the well-being of children in Madani is unmatched. All children are receiving vaccinations to protect them from killer diseases.
As Anfal embraced Maysoon, now protected against measles, a sense of hope washed over her. Despite the challenges they had faced, and the hurdles overcome, she knew that her family's resilience would carry them through any storm. The power of a mother's love, coupled with the steadfast support of a compassionate community, had given Anfal the strength to navigate this new chapter in their lives. Despite moving many miles from home, she continues to uphold the importance of vaccines and will do anything to protect her little ones from killer diseases through readily available vaccination services.
With support of GAVI and partners, UNICEF is maintaining an uninterrupted vaccine supply chain across the country to support child vaccinations that are benefitting millions of children and protecting them from disease, especially during this time of crisis. The vaccination drives are contributing to the overall improvement of child health and well-being, as well as the reduction of child mortality rates.
Parents and caregivers are also benefitting from informative sessions and messages on health and immunization via radio, television broadcasts and active participation on online platforms, thanks to the collaborative efforts of UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health.
