“I’ve seen it all,” recalls Mrs Umida Joraeva. “From the introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine to the rotavirus vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine, I’ve witnessed how these breakthroughs have led to a significant reduction in diseases. Nowadays, you hardly come across them anymore.”
Mrs Umida has dedicated herself to caring for children as a nurse since 1993. Her vaccination room represents a small part of the vast Kibrai District Medical Association, located an hour’s drive from Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent. Now 52, with 3 children of her own, she plans to retire in a couple of years.
“My family wants me to retire. My eldest daughter is a doctor herself, so she understands the responsibilities and importance of my work. But my colleagues are reluctant to let me go. And I agree with them. I absolutely love what I do. Since I work alone in this room, I like to keep everything just the way I want it – neat, organized and perfect.”
Making an impact
The Kibrai District Medical Association serves 175 450 patients and employs over 2000 people. At its head, is 33-year-old Dr Ziyodulla Abdullaev, who manages the entire structure, but in Mrs Umida’s eyes, still resembles the child she vaccinated when she began her career.
“Back in the day, when I was just a kid, I vividly remember being taken to Mrs Umida for my vaccinations. You know, there was this special polyclinic just for kids. I can still picture it – that vaccination room up on the second floor, and all those funny pictures of animals dressed up as doctors lining the corridors. And oh, Mrs Umida? She was the one who made children cry,” recalls Dr Ziyodulla with a fond smile.
“Years later, when I was starting out as a doctor myself, Mrs Umida and I would sit down together, drawing up vaccination schedules, and she’d be there giving me all the guidance I needed. It’s funny how things come full circle, isn’t it?”
A life dedicated to health
Throughout her career, Mrs Umida has embraced every challenge with unwavering resolve. She warmly recalls the introduction of new vaccines into her arsenal, welcoming each breakthrough like an new friend. Pausing, she reminisces about her own family.
“I made sure to vaccinate my 3 children myself. Every single vaccine, without fail. Back then, there wasn’t even a hepatitis B vaccine available. So, I took them to a private vaccination centre and made sure they got all the protection they needed. After all, the health of our children always comes first.”
Mrs Umida’s dedication is evident not just in her thorough approach to vaccination but also in her concern for the well-being of every child she vaccinates. “In my 3 decades of experience, I haven’t encountered any severe adverse events following vaccination. We meticulously monitor each child after every vaccination. Still, on vaccination days, I can’t help but worry. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously. Even though severe adverse events are incredibly rare, I know that 1 in a million cases can always occur, even as a random coincidence.”
Dispelling myths and fears
Dr Abdullaev attests to Mrs Umida’s profound influence. “She sets a high standard for responsibility. Even doctors turn to her for advice, acknowledging her expertise in the field. But Mrs Umida’s work is not easy. She not only handles the vaccination of children but also deals with parents, explaining the importance of timely vaccination and dispelling myths and fears that may cloud their judgment.”
One particular milestone stands out: the inclusion of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Uzbekistan’s vaccination schedule for girls aged 9–12 in 2019. Rumours and hesitations swirled around the vaccine, making discussions with parents and grandparents all the more difficult. Yet, amid the doubts, Mrs Umida encountered stories of unwavering determination.
“I remember vividly how one day a woman brought her granddaughter for the HPV vaccination,” recalls Mrs Umida. “She confided in me, saying, ‘I brought her without consulting her parents. I’ve battled cancer myself. Regardless of what anyone says, I’m determined to ensure my granddaughter’s health.’ While I approved of her determination, I did make sure to have the child’s parents’ consent before proceeding.”
Challenges and triumphs
On vaccination days at Kibrai Primary Health-care Centre, the pace is brisk. Twice a week, Mrs Umida swings into action, often vaccinating up to 200 children per day. “When we know there will be a lot of kids lining up, especially towards the end of the month, I mentally prepare myself,” she says with a smile. “I get ready for those hectic days, making sure we’re all set to vaccinate from morning till evening. Our main aim these days is keeping parents happy and feeling good about what we do.
“Sometimes, families come up to me and say, ‘Umidakhon , you vaccinated the dad, now it’s the little one’s turn.’ Those moments? They really warm my heart,” she shares. “Hearing that kind of appreciation just adds to my passion for what I do.”
This was the case with Dr Ziyodulla. “Mrs Umida didn’t stop with me; she also vaccinated my child,” he reflects warmly. “Bringing my little one for vaccination, of course, came with its own set of worries. But knowing Mrs Umida’s expertise and care, I felt a lot more at ease.”
For her part, Mrs Umida is delighted. “A child I vaccinated has grown up and is now safeguarding the health of others,” she wonders, adding, “I never even imagined such a possibility”.
Mrs Umida and Dr Ziyodulla embody the timeless power of immunization, showcasing the profound impact of vaccines in safeguarding health across generations. They illuminate the way forward, guaranteeing that every child receives the gift of a healthy future.
Partnering with the European Union
A project co-funded by the European Union is currently being implemented in Uzbekistan and 4 other central Asian republics – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan. The project involves supporting the ministries of health with immunization and supply chain logistics, risk communication and community engagement, and the capacity-building of health-care professionals, paving the way to achieve the goals and targets of the European Immunization Agenda 2030.