Afghanistan Launches Nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign for Children Under Five

Afghanistan is preparing to initiate a comprehensive polio vaccination campaign starting on July 20. This effort seeks to immunize children below the age of five against the debilitating effects of the polio virus. In addition to administering the oral polio vaccine, health teams will also provide Vitamin A supplements, which are designed to enhance the children’s immune systems and improve their overall health by bolstering resistance against other diseases. The Afghanistan Polio-Free Organization has strongly urged families to participate in the campaign, ensuring that no child is overlooked.

The role of parents and guardians is deemed critical, as the organization encourages collaboration with health workers and emphasizes the importance of community engagement. For those seeking additional information, a free helpline is available for contact. Polio is a highly contagious disease that predominantly affects children, spreading through tainted water and leading to severe health issues, including fever and sometimes irreversible paralysis. Currently, Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only nations where polio transmission has not been eliminated.

Efforts to eradicate polio are vital for safeguarding children from enduring disabilities. The organization highlighted that vaccination is a key strategy for securing a healthier future for Afghanistan’s youth. It stresses that ongoing public support is essential for the success of these vaccination drives, which are pivotal to achieving a polio-free status in the country. In support of these crucial efforts, Japan has allocated USD 5 million through UNICEF, aimed at enhancing polio eradication initiatives and bolstering immunization programs across all Afghan provinces.

Japan's commitment, in conjunction with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNICEF, is part of a year-long effort to reach over 13 million children with essential vaccinations. This grant reflects Japan's dedication to the health sector in Afghanistan, ensuring sustained progress towards global polio eradication goals, particularly in underserved and conflict-prone areas. Despite the decline in under-five and maternal mortality rates, access to basic healthcare remains limited, leaving numerous children susceptible to preventable diseases.

The resurgence of polio cases in 2023 highlighted significant gaps in immunity, particularly among children in hard-to-reach areas and those from mobile or cross-border communities. Although advancements in vaccine distribution and cold chain infrastructure have been made, there remains an urgent need to address these disparities and ensure all children receive the protection they need.