The first national polio vaccination campaign of the year begins
Kabul, Afghanistan – The Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan, in coordination with international partners, today launched the first National Immunization Days (NIDs) campaign for polio eradication in 2024. The national campaign aims to vaccinate more than 10.72 million children across the country.
The campaign will take place from 29 April to 02 May, but due to recent rains and cold weather the campaign in Ghor, Daikundi and Bamyan provinces will be implemented later. Children aged between 6 and 59 months will also receive Vitamin A, to help keep their eyes, skin and immune systems healthy.
“Together with our partners, we are committed to eradicating polio from Afghanistan,” said Dr. Qalandar Ibaad, the Minister of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. “We will work day and night and continue polio vaccination campaigns and complementary health services until we reach the goal of fully eradicating polio across the whole country.”
“The support of all Afghans, including parents, community influencers, 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.
