In this video, a courageous man from the Somali Region shares his personal experience of living with polio—a disease that changed his life but never broke his spirit. He recalls how a lack of awareness in his community delayed diagnosis and how stigma and hardship shaped his journey. Through perseverance, he pursued his dreams and completed his education, earning a master’s degree and becoming an employee of CAAP Ahmed now uses his story to inspire others.
His message is clear and heartfelt: “Parents, please take your children for polio vaccination. It’s not a one-time thing—follow through every round to protect your child’s future.” “I was just a child when I got polio. My mother didn’t know what I was sick with — people thought it was just a cold. There was no awareness in our community at that time.
Later, when I came to JigJiga, doctors confirmed it was polio. Because of it, I started school late, at 11 years old. I couldn’t write with my right hand and had a limp. Some classmates mocked me, but I refused to give up. With determination and hard work, I finished my studies — and today, I hold a master’s degree.
In Grade 8, I joined a disability inclusion club and started counseling others. When people ask me, ‘Why didn’t you get treated after diagnosis?’ I tell them — the best cure for polio is prevention.
What makes me happiest is seeing parents take their children for routine vaccinations after hearing my story.
My message to every parent: Please make sure your children receive vaccines — not just once, but in every round.
The Advancing Community Health through Immunization Education and Vaccination Engagement (ACHIEVE) Project is implemented by CAAP in Warder, Geladi, and Erer Woredas of the Somali Region. Supported by Girl Effect in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the project amplifies community voices to strengthen confidence in vaccination and promote healthier futures for children and families. This inspiring story highlights the power of awareness and prevention.
For the full story, click this link https://www.youtube.com/@caapeth
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