Afghanistan launches fresh polio vaccination drive targeting 7.3 million children
Four-day campaign spans 19 provinces as health workers go door-to-door to protect children under five from deadly virus
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — The Taliban-led Afghan government has rolled out a nationwide campaign to vaccinate millions of children against polio, aiming to curb one of the few remaining reservoirs of the disease globally.
The campaign, launched by the Ministry of Public Health, is expected to reach approximately 7.3 million children under the age of five over a four-day period. Vaccination teams have already begun work across 19 provinces and 187 districts, including urban centers and remote communities.
According to independent outlet ToloNews, health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman Amarakhail confirmed that the sub-national drive will deploy teams across alleyways and neighborhoods, with door-to-door visits in full swing in cities like Kabul.
“I started my work at 7 a.m.,” said Noor Hussain, a volunteer vaccinator. “The level of cooperation from families has been impressive.”
Residents in the capital are urging authorities to maintain momentum. “We want the government to raise awareness and keep the campaign going,” said Ramazan, a Kabul local, who emphasized the need for more outreach and education around the vaccine’s benefits.
Health experts say raising awareness is crucial to ending the disease. “Vaccination is the only reliable shield against polio,” said Dr. Mojtaba Sufi. “These vaccines are made available with support from the international community.”
Afghanistan remains one of the last countries where polio remains endemic. While the World Health Organization reported over 20 confirmed cases last year, the Ministry of Public Health has challenged the accuracy of those figures, pointing to possible discrepancies in surveillance and reporting.
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