As a mother, I have always wanted to provide my daughter with the best of everything. From the best education to the best opportunities, I have always strived to give her the world. However, there was one instance where I had to pay thousands of dollars to ensure my daughter’s safety, something that was being given for free to every child in the UK. This incident made me realize the disparity in our society and the unfortunate truth that not everyone has equal access to safety and protection.
It all started when my husband got a job offer in the United Kingdom. We were thrilled at the opportunity to move to a new country and give our daughter a chance to experience a different culture. Little did we know that this move would also bring along unforeseen challenges and expenses.
Being from another country, we had to apply for a visa to enter the UK. As part of the application process, we had to provide proof of our daughter’s vaccinations. This came as a shock to us as we were not aware that the UK has strict rules regarding vaccines. Back in our home country, these vaccines were not mandatory, and it was entirely up to the parents to decide if they wanted to get their child vaccinated or not.
We quickly learned that in the UK, vaccinations are provided free of charge to every child under the National Health Service (NHS). This meant that all the children in the UK were protected against diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella, to name a few. However, for us, it meant a huge expense as we had to get our daughter vaccinated for the same diseases before we could enter the country.
To my surprise, these vaccines were not cheap. We had to pay thousands of dollars for our daughter to get the same level of protection that was being given for free to every child in the UK. As a mother, it was heartbreaking for me to see that my daughter’s safety and well-being came at such a high cost.
But beyond the financial burden, this incident also made me reflect on the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities across the world. While my daughter was lucky enough to have parents who could afford to pay for her vaccines, there are millions of children around the world who do not have access to even basic healthcare, let alone vaccinations.
It also made me question why vaccinations are not made mandatory in every country. Vaccines are not only vital for an individual’s health but also play a significant role in controlling the spread of diseases and protecting the whole community. It shouldn’t be a privilege for some to have access to vaccines; it should be a basic human right.
Despite the frustration and disappointment, this experience also taught me the value of gratitude. Living in a developed country like the UK, we take for granted the many privileges and opportunities that are available to us. But for many people around the world, these things are not easily accessible.
As a mother, I am incredibly grateful to the NHS for providing free vaccinations to all children in the UK. It not only ensures the well-being of the next generation but also promotes a sense of unity and equality among us all. It is a system that should be celebrated and appreciated by everyone.
But it also serves as a reminder that we, as a society, need to work towards bridging the gap between those who have access to resources and those who do not. We need to ensure that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to basic healthcare and protection.
In conclusion, my daughter’s journey to the UK may have started with an unexpected expense, but it also opened our eyes to the unequal distribution of resources in the world. It is a reminder that we should never take anything for granted and always be grateful for the privileges we have. And most importantly, it highlights the need for a more equal and just society, where every child is given an equal opportunity to thrive.
