Afghanistan launches measles vaccination drive for 700,000 children
WHO-backed campaign comes as rising infections and child deaths highlight country’s fragile public health system
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Health authorities in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province have launched a large-scale measles vaccination campaign aimed at protecting hundreds of thousands of children against the highly contagious disease. The drive, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), comes amid a spike in infections and multiple recent child deaths.
According to the independent outlet Pajhwok Afghan News, the 10-day campaign began on Sunday across Ghazni city and 18 surrounding districts. Officials said around 700,000 children aged nine months to ten years are expected to be vaccinated by more than 2,000 health workers deployed for the effort.
Dr. Basir Ahmad Sabet, director of mass immunization at the provincial health department, said at least five children had died of measles in the past month, while nearly 1,500 cases were reported to health facilities during the same period. He emphasized that while infection rates had recently slowed, vaccination was critical to prevent a resurgence.
Dr. Hasan, WHO’s provincial representative, stressed the urgency of expanding coverage, warning that measles outbreaks remain a recurring threat in Afghanistan. Limited access to healthcare, low vaccination rates, and poverty have left many children at risk of preventable diseases.
Measles, spread through coughing, sneezing, or close contact, is considered one of the most contagious viral infections. Symptoms include fever, cough, skin rash, and white spots in the mouth, but if left untreated, the disease can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis, which can be fatal.
Local health workers underscored the danger, urging parents to bring their children for vaccination. “Measles is dangerous. If untreated, it can cause viral brain infection and lead to death,” said health worker Hikmat Diyan, calling on families not to delay immunization.
Afghanistan has faced recurring measles surges in recent years, driven by disrupted immunization programs and low coverage. In 2025 alone, over 51,000 suspected cases and more than 300 deaths have been reported.
With routine vaccination coverage among infants estimated at just 36.6 %, many children remain vulnerable to endemic diseases.
Health analysts warn that lapses in vaccination efforts could undermine gains in child survival and increase the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases becoming widespread again.
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