Image Nation Abu Dhabi showcases polio vaccination film to labourers

Pakistani labourers have been shown a short film to educate them on the importance of getting their families vaccinated against polio.

A screen shot from the polio awareness film Leap of Faith by Image Nation. Courtesy Image Nation

Nadeem Hanif

DUBAI // Hundreds of Pakistani labourers have been shown a short film that hopes to show them the importance of polio vaccinations.

A temporary outdoor cinema screen was set up at the Al Naboodah Labour camp, in Al Ruwaiyah 2 on Thursday night to show Leap of Faith, a two and half minute film produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi.

The film follows the story of a Pakistani taxi driver working in Dubai who reflects on his regret at not getting his daughter vaccinated against polio.

The Urdu language film shows how his daughter is coping with the condition and struck a chord with many of those watching.

“I know that the vaccination people have visited our village two or three times and most if not all people have had their vaccinations,” said Waris Ali, from Gujarat in Pakistan. He said he knew a little about polio but the film helped him to understand the importance of vaccinations.

“Although our family have had it done one of my cousins didn’t and then got polio,” he said.

“Now he has problems walking and his life is very difficult. It’s a simple thing to do and it protects you for the rest of your life so there is no reason not to get children vaccinated.”

Asghar Khan, from Peshawar in Pakistan said he fully supported the polio vaccination campaign in his home country.

“Most people know about the campaign and don’t have a problem with it,” he said.

“The children might be a little scared seeing the doctor but when you explain that it only involves giving the child a couple of drops of medicine it’s very simple.

“People in rural areas might not be aware of it but now they have teams that go to these villages directly and that has made a big difference.”

Mr Khan’s four-children have all been vaccinated for polio as have the children of his extended family.

“People know that this is an important thing to do because it could make bug problems for their children in future life if they don’t do it.”

Mohammed Sohail, from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in north-west Pakistan, praised the work done by the UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme in helping to vaccinate more than 3 million children over the last two months.

“I have three children they have already been vaccinated,” he said.

“But this film is good for people if they don’t know how important the vaccination is they can find out.”

Although in the past there had been some religious concerns that prevented some people from getting their children vaccinated that has changed, he said.

“People at first thought it was just a non-governmental organisation that was doing these things but then religious leaders said it was important to do this so most don’t have a problem with it,” he said.

“Although my family have all been vaccinated I always tell friends and family who have not helped their children to get it done because they will make big problems for them when they get older.

Kameshwar Prasad Shah, the senior camp boss at the Al Naboodah Labour camp at Al Ruwaiyah 2, said labourers living in the camp welcomed the chance to learn more about the importance of polio vaccinations.

“We have about 8,000 men living in this camp and although this film is focused on the Pakistani workers I think many will find it of benefit,” he said.

“This kind of film will have a big effect on these men because they are from many different parts of Pakistan.

“Although the people in the big cities know about the importance of getting children vaccinated for polio that is not always the case in the rural areas.”

The film can be seen on YouTube with English and Arabic subtitles.

There is also a Facebook page.

A series of screenings will take place in labour camps at weekends in Dubai throughout August.

It is also being shown before all Etihad Airways flights from Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Karachi throughout this month.

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