Taliban Launches Spring Polio Vaccination Campaign Targeting 12.6 Million Children

The Taliban’s Public Health Directorate has announced that during the first round of the spring polio vaccination campaign, approximately 12.6 million children under the age of five across the country will be immunized. The program is scheduled to take place from April 13 to 16 in most provinces and will be implemented in collaboration with international health organizations.

According to a statement from the Directorate, all areas of the country will be covered in this round of vaccinations; however, due to cold weather, the campaign in the provinces of Daikundi and Bamyan has been postponed. Additionally, the program in Ghor province is planned to be held with a one-week delay.

Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, acting head of the Taliban’s Public Health Directorate, said at the campaign’s inauguration ceremony that the Directorate, along with its partners, is committed to preventing the spread of the polio virus in Afghanistan. He emphasized that the implementation of vaccination campaigns and other essential health services will continue until this disease is completely eradicated.

He called on religious scholars, tribal elders, and parents nationwide to support the vaccination teams and actively participate in the fight against polio. According to him, public cooperation plays a decisive role in protecting the health and lives of children.

Simultaneously with the campaign, vitamin A supplements will be distributed to children aged six to 59 months. This vitamin is particularly important for strengthening the immune system and maintaining eye and skin health.