Victor Zinda, a polio survivor, advocates for vaccination and awareness in Rwanda.
Victor Zinda was born in 1968 as the firstborn in a family of ten children. His early life was normal until he fell seriously ill as a baby. At around one year old, he contracted measles, and while still recovering, he was infected with polio. His parents, who were living in exile in Uganda at the time, only discovered the severity of his condition after both traditional and medical treatments had failed. By the age of five or six, Zinda was completely crippled.
Despite the challenges, Zinda’s father was determined to ensure his son received an education. When a school opened nearby, offering only Primary One and Two, Zinda began the arduous journey of crawling 30 to 60 minutes each day to attend classes. He recalls, “I would arrive sweating, rest a bit, then join the class, and coming back was the same.”
His school experience was mixed; while some classmates bullied him, others sympathized and sought his help with schoolwork. Zinda’s intelligence shone through, and he became known for his academic prowess. “I was smart in class, and that helped me gain friends. I could write well, and others asked me to help them,” he said. He credits his academic success and the unwavering support from his family for keeping him in school despite the obstacles he faced.
Now, as an adult, Zinda has joined a campaign in Kigali aimed at raising awareness about polio and the importance of vaccination. His personal journey has fueled his passion for ensuring that no child suffers as he did. He emphasizes the need for continued vigilance against polio, even in regions where the disease has been eradicated. “During the rainy season, I crawled through mud. When it was sunny, the soil burned my hands,” he shared, highlighting the physical challenges he faced growing up.
Zinda’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of community support. He hopes that by sharing his experiences, he can inspire others to advocate for health initiatives and support vaccination campaigns. His involvement in the campaign is not just about raising awareness; it is also a call to action for parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against preventable diseases.
As Rwanda continues its efforts to maintain a polio-free status, Zinda’s voice adds a personal touch to the public health narrative. His journey from a polio-crippled child to an advocate for health awareness serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of vaccination and the importance of community involvement in health initiatives.
In conclusion, Victor Zinda’s life story illustrates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the critical role of education and community support in overcoming these challenges. His current efforts to combat polio through advocacy highlight the ongoing need for vigilance in public health, ensuring that future generations are protected from diseases that can have lifelong consequences.
Key Points
- Victor Zinda contracted polio after recovering from measles at a young age.
- Despite his disability, he pursued education with determination and support from his family.
- Zinda's advocacy focuses on the importance of vaccination against polio.
- He shares his personal experiences to inspire others and raise awareness.
- Rwanda continues to promote vaccination to maintain its polio-free status.
Sources: Man crippled by polio joins campaign against disease in Kigali
