Nationwide polio vaccination campaign begins in Afghanistan

Kabul, Afghanistan: The Ministry of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in coordination with international partners, has launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign.

The campaign will be conducted across Afghanistan from 2 to 5 November 2026, aiming to vaccinate 12.8 million children under five years of age. In the South region, the campaign will run from 3 to 6 November, while in Logar province, it will take place from 9 to 13 November to allow for better preparations.

In addition to polio vaccination, albendazole tablets will be administered to children in the South, Southeast, West and East regions of the country.

Albendazole is a deworming medicine that helps remove intestinal worms. These worms can affect children’s health, nutrition and growth, and may cause malnutrition and anaemia. Giving albendazole helps protect children from these problems and supports their healthy growth.

“The Ministry of Public Health, together with its partners, is committed to stopping wild poliovirus in Afghanistan,” said Alhaj. Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, the Minister of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. “We will make every effort and continue polio vaccination campaigns and complementary health services until we eradicate polio from Afghanistan.”

"It is important that all community influencers including religious scholars, community elders and parents support polio vaccination teams everywhere in the country. 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 the polio vaccine. Poliovirus can cause permanent paralysis or even death in affected children. Currently there is virus transmission in the country. The Ministry of Public Health is fully prepared to respond to any case.

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.

Vaccination teams will be in identified locations in your area throughout the campaign. Parents and caregivers are requested to familiarize themselves with the locations and bring all children under 5 years old for vaccination.

For more information:

Alhaj Dr. Abdul Qudus Baryalai, Director of National Emergency Operations Center 

Phone: +93704925448

E-mail: qudus.baryalai@poliofree.af

Call Center’s Toll-Free #: 141