Afghanistan's Fight Against Polio: A New Vaccination Drive
KABUL, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health has embarked on a critical mission to protect its children from polio. On Monday, the fourth sub-national polio vaccination campaign of 2025 was launched, aiming to safeguard approximately 7.4 million children from paralysis. This four-day initiative, running through Thursday, will bring oral polio vaccine drops to 17 of the country's 34 provinces.
The campaign's success relies on the support of community influencers, including religious scholars, elders, and parents, as emphasized by Minister of Public Health Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali. He stated, 'It is crucial for all community influencers to support polio vaccination teams nationwide.'
The urgency of the situation is evident, as Afghanistan has reported at least nine polio cases this year, with the most recent detection in the southern Uruzgan province in early October. The country, along with its neighboring Pakistan, stands as one of the only two regions globally where wild poliovirus transmission persists.
Minister Jalali assured, 'We will spare no effort and sustain these campaigns alongside complementary health services until polio is fully eliminated.' This commitment highlights the ongoing battle against a disease that has plagued the region for far too long.
The campaign's reach and impact are significant, but the challenge remains. Afghanistan's efforts to eradicate polio are a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of community engagement in public health initiatives.
