The spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health announced that the first polio vaccination campaign of 2026 has started today across 18 provinces.
Kabul 24: This four-day nationwide drive aims to administer oral polio vaccine drops to approximately 7.3 million children under the age of five.Sharafat Zaman Amarkhel, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, stated that to ensure smooth implementation, the campaign will begin earlier in two districts of Faryab province and two districts of Badghis province.
The vaccination in these areas is scheduled from February 9 to 12, ahead of the main rollout in the rest of the country.In Kabul, vaccination teams are stationed at designated fixed and mobile sites despite the intense winter cold.
However, vaccinators report that the severe weather has led to lower turnout, with fewer families bringing their children to receive the vaccine compared to warmer seasons.
Many residents of the capital expressed appreciation for the continued vaccination campaigns, describing them as vital for securing a healthier future for their children. Zari Ali, a mother from Kabul, said: “It is the duty of mothers to take their children to vaccination points and ensure they are protected.” Another resident, Gul Mir, added: “Our wish is for polio to be completely eradicated from the country. People must cooperate fully.”Health experts stress that eliminating polio requires more than just vaccination.
They emphasize the importance of sustained public awareness, building community trust, and a shared understanding of the devastating consequences of the disease. Without active family participation and public confidence, even the most well-organized campaigns face significant obstacles.
Afghanistan, alongside Pakistan, remains one of the last two countries where wild poliovirus continues to circulate. Health officials believe that persistent, high-quality vaccination efforts combined with strong community support and international assistance can finally interrupt transmission and secure a polio-free future for the next generation.
These recurring campaigns carry a clear message: protecting children from polio is a shared national responsibility that can be fulfilled through one simple but decisive action—bringing every eligible child to be vaccinated.
