Afghanistan Launches Second Round of National Polio Vaccination Campaign

The Ministry of Public Health, in cooperation with international organizations, today (Monday, May 18) launched the second round of the 2026 sub-national polio vaccination campaign across Afghanistan.

The ministry said in a statement that during this round of the campaign, 8.3 million children in 20 provinces will receive polio vaccines from May 18 to May 21.

According to the statement, the campaign will be implemented in Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan, and Zabul provinces from May 19 to May 22.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Public Health Minister Noor Jalal Jalali said: “The Ministry of Public Health remains committed to eliminating the wild poliovirus in Afghanistan in cooperation with its partners. We will continue polio vaccination campaigns and complementary health services until we achieve the goal of completely eradicating polio across the country.”

Jalali also called on citizens to support vaccinators and cooperate with them during the campaign.

“It is important for religious scholars, tribal elders, parents, and other influential members of society across the country to support vaccinators, participate in the fight against polio, and help protect the health of children,” he added.

Afghanistan, alongside Pakistan, remains one of the few countries where polio has not yet been eradicated. Health officials say the continuation of such campaigns can help secure a healthier future for the younger generation.

They believe that with public cooperation and support from health organizations, efforts to eliminate polio will become more effective.