Dear Fatima,
Greetings to you from Social Assistance and Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV).
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the polio vaccination program. From your message, I understand that some community members believe the vaccine may reduce male fertility, which is why they hesitate to accept it. This misconception is a major barrier, and it highlights the importance of understanding both the level of education and the degree of poverty in the community. These factors often keep people in the dark and make them more vulnerable to misinformation.
To address this challenge, I believe it is essential to:
How it will be if you try to engage trusted local leaders (religious figures, teachers, community elders) who can reassure people that the vaccine is safe.
If you take an initiative to provide clear, simple health education sessions that explain how polio spreads, the benefits of vaccination, and the fact that it does not affect fertility.
If possible to present some success stories from other communities where vaccination has eradicated polio and improved child health.
If possible to have some information in local languages and through different channels people trust, such as community meetings or radio programs etc.
Acknowledge fears respectfully while providing scientific evidence, so people feel heard rather than dismissed.
I am sorry from afar It is really difficult to predict how this sort of educational efforts will change attitudes, but with consistent awareness-building and community involvement, acceptance of the vaccine can grow. Ultimately, this might help us to reduce the risk of accepting the goal of eradicating polio.
I do not know whether this will help you or not.
Warm regards,
*Shahidul Haque (Ashoka Fellow) *
*Founder & **Chief Executive Officer *
*SARPV*
*Address: House No: 274/4, 3rd Floor.*
*South Monipur, **(60 Feet Road) .*
*Mirpur. Dhaka-1216*
*Telephone no: +88-02-226622022, 02-226622023 and 02-226622024*
*Email: shahidul@sarpv.org <shahidul@sarpv.org> **shahidul.sarpv@gmail.com
<shahidul.sarpv@gmail.com>**, shahidul@sarpv.org.bd
<shahidul@sarpv.org.bd>*
*Web:// *www.sarpv.org,
"Please do not treat the human being with their impairment treat with
their ability"
HIFA profile: Md. Shahidul Haque is Chief Executive of Social Assistance and Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV) in Bangladesh. Professional interests: As we are working since 1992 to reduce childhood disability at an early stage and in some cases trying to prevent children with disabilities from Nutritional Rickets Disease. Email address: Shahidul.sarpv AT gmail.com