Seven-Day Polio Vaccination Campaign Begins in Kunar and Nuristan

Health officials say a seven-day polio vaccination campaign has begun in Kunar and Nuristan provinces. During the campaign, nearly 250,000 children will receive polio vaccines through oral drops and injectable doses.

UNICEF’s polio coordinator in eastern Afghanistan said the seven-day polio campaign had begun in all districts of Kunar, with the goal of vaccinating around 220,000 children. He added that the campaign was also underway in Nuristan, where nearly 30,000 children were expected to receive the polio vaccine.

Kunar Public Health Director Muzaffar Mukhlis said: “During this seven-day campaign, children from birth to five years of age in all districts of Kunar will receive two oral polio drops, while children aged four months to five years will receive injectable polio vaccines. The campaign is being implemented by 47 coordinators, 181 supervisors, and a large number of volunteers.”

Naqibullah, a Kunar resident whose limbs were paralyzed by polio, said he did not receive the oral polio vaccine on time as a child and now cannot live a normal life like others.

He urged families to make sure their children are vaccinated so they do not suffer lifelong disability as he has.

Naqibullah said: “Vaccinate your children so they do not become infected with polio like I did. Otherwise, they will face difficulties for the rest of their lives.”

Residents of Kunar also called on religious scholars and community elders to encourage families who still refuse to vaccinate their children, so that more children receive the two oral polio drops and are protected from permanent disability.

Abdul Aziz Ashna, a resident of Kunar, said: “Now that this campaign has begun, parents should make sure their children are vaccinated during these campaign days.”

Another resident, Khairullah, said: “Religious scholars and community elders should convince those who do not vaccinate their children that failing to do so can leave them affected by this devastating disease.”

Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries in the world where polio has not yet been eradicated. Health organizations say timely polio vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease.