Afghanistan's Acting Minister of Public Health, Mawlavi Noor Jalal Jalali, held a high-level meeting with representatives of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to enhance cooperation on strengthening the country's healthcare system and expanding immunization services.

The meeting focused on improving access to primary healthcare, increasing vaccination coverage, and accelerating efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, polio, and other infectious illnesses that continue to pose significant public health challenges across Afghanistan.

According to the Ministry of Public Health, the participants discussed strategies to improve the delivery of essential health services, particularly in remote and underserved communities where access to medical care remains limited.

Minister Jalali stressed the importance of sustained cooperation with international partners to strengthen Afghanistan's healthcare infrastructure and ensure that lifesaving vaccines reach children and vulnerable populations throughout the country.

The discussions also covered measures to enhance routine immunization programs, improve disease surveillance, strengthen cold-chain systems for vaccine storage and distribution, and expand public awareness campaigns promoting childhood vaccination.

Representatives of Gavi reaffirmed the alliance's continued commitment to supporting Afghanistan's national immunization program, emphasizing that expanding vaccine access remains essential to reducing child mortality and preventing future outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Officials from WHO and UNICEF also reiterated their support for Afghanistan's public health sector, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts to strengthen disease prevention, improve maternal and child healthcare, and build a more resilient healthcare system.

The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face significant health challenges, including recurring outbreaks of measles and the ongoing fight to eradicate polio, one of the few countries in the world where the disease remains endemic.

Health authorities and international organizations agreed to continue close coordination to strengthen vaccination campaigns, improve healthcare delivery, and protect communities from preventable diseases, reaffirming their shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the Afghan people. (ILKHA)