Japan provides $5 million to fight polio, expand child immunization in Afghanistan
New initiative targets 13 million children across all provinces amid rising health risks and resurgence of polio transmission
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Japan has committed $5 million to support a new nationwide immunization drive in Afghanistan, aiming to eradicate polio and strengthen routine childhood vaccinations across all 34 provinces.
The 12-month initiative, implemented through UNICEF, seeks to reach more than 13 million children, including those in high-risk and previously inaccessible areas. It comes at a critical time, as polio transmission resurged in 2023, exposing immunity gaps in mobile and cross-border populations.
Afghanistan remains one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus is still endemic. Despite significant improvements in health indicators over the past two decades—such as a drop in under-five mortality from 125 to 56 per 1,000 live births—millions of children continue to face high risks from preventable diseases due to gaps in routine immunization and limited access to healthcare.
The new funding will support national polio campaigns, improve cold chain infrastructure, and fill urgent gaps in vaccine supply and staffing—particularly in remote and underserved communities. It is also intended to raise population immunity levels enough to interrupt both wild and vaccine-derived poliovirus transmission in line with the country’s eradication plan.
Japan has been a key supporter of Afghanistan’s immunization efforts for more than 20 years, backing the procurement of essential vaccines such as BCG, hepatitis B, and measles, while also helping to train healthcare workers and modernize vaccine storage systems.
While challenges persist—especially in conflict-affected and geographically isolated areas—health officials say the tools and support needed to eliminate polio now exist. Reaching every child will require not only sustained funding but also unimpeded access for health workers and full community participation.
As one of the final frontiers in the global fight against polio, Afghanistan’s success will depend on whether these efforts can close the remaining gaps—before the virus resurges again.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
