The first sub-national polio vaccination campaign for 2024 begins
Kabul, Afghanistan (29 January 2024): The Ministry of Public Health, in coordination with international partners, today launched the first Sub-National Immunization Days (SNIDs) campaign for polio eradication in 2024. The campaign aims to vaccinate more than 7.5 million children in different regions of the country. The campaign will take place from 29 January to 1 February 2024.
“Together with our partners, we are committed to eradicate polio from Afghanistan,” said Dr. Qalandar Ibaad, the Minister of Public Health. “We will work day and night and continue polio vaccination campaigns and complementary health services until we reach the goal of fully eradicating polio in the whole country.”
“The support of all Afghans, including parents, community leaders, elders and religious leaders is vital to eradicate polio. We kindly ask everyone to play their part in the fight against polio, and safeguard the lives and wellbeing of the children of Afghanistan,” the Minister added.
Polio is a viral disease that has no cure. It can only be prevented by vaccination. Poliovirus can cause permanent paralysis or even death in affected children.
In the struggle against polio, the support of all members of the community is crucial. Parents and families can protect their children from permanent paralysis by vaccinating them against polio during the campaign. Leaders can motivate people in their communities to vaccinate their children and support the polio vaccination teams as they carry out the campaign.
