Nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign to begin tomorrow in Afghanistan

Khaama Press

May 25, 2025

A nationwide polio vaccination campaign will begin tomorrow in Afghanistan, aiming to immunize over 200,000 children under five years old.

A nationwide polio vaccination campaign is set to begin on Monday, May 26, across all provinces of Afghanistan, according to health authorities. The initiative aims to immunize millions of children under the age of five against the deadly poliovirus.

In Sar-e-Pul province, local officials confirmed the campaign began a day earlier, targeting over 200,000 children. Health workers are going door to door to ensure comprehensive coverage and prevent further transmission of the virus in vulnerable communities.

Health authorities emphasized that the primary goal of this campaign is the complete eradication of polio from Afghanistan. Despite significant progress in recent years, Afghanistan remains one of the few countries where wild poliovirus is still endemic.

Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects young children. It can cause irreversible paralysis and, in severe cases, death. Although consistent vaccination efforts have reduced polio cases significantly, challenges such as insecurity, misinformation, and difficult terrain continue to hamper full eradication.

Health experts and organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, have reiterated their call for families to support vaccination teams and ensure every eligible child receives the vaccine. Collaboration at the community level is essential to achieving a polio-free future.

Officials stress that with sustained public cooperation and uninterrupted access to all regions, Afghanistan has a real chance of eliminating polio in the near future. The campaign is part of broader global efforts to end polio worldwide, with Afghanistan’s success playing a critical role in reaching that goal.

Recent Posts