The first national polio vaccination campaign of 2026 was officially launched on Saturday, April 11, with the goal of reaching approximately 12.6 million children under the age of five, the Ministry of Public Health has announced.

The campaign, which is supported by international organizations, will be conducted nationwide from April 13 to April 16 over a period of three days, according to a statement from the ministry.

The ministry noted that the campaign has been postponed in Daikundi and Bamyan provinces due to cold weather conditions. In Ghor province, the vaccination drive will take place one week later than the national schedule.

Speaking at the launch, Noor Jalal Jalali, the Minister of Public Health, reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating the polio virus from Afghanistan.

"The Ministry of Public Health, in coordination with its partners, is committed to preventing the spread of the polio virus in Afghanistan," Jalali said.

"We will make every effort and continue polio vaccination campaigns and other essential health services until this disease is completely eradicated in the country," he added.

The minister called on all segments of Afghan society – including religious scholars, tribal elders, and parents – to support vaccination teams and actively participate in the fight against polio.

Their involvement, he said, is essential to protect the health and lives of Afghan children.

The ministry added that during the campaign, Vitamin A will also be administered to children aged 6 to 59 months. The supplement plays an important role in maintaining eye health, skin health, and strengthening the immune system.

Afghanistan remains one of the last two countries in the world where polio is still endemic, alongside neighbouring Pakistan. Health officials hope that sustained vaccination efforts will finally eliminate the disease from the region. (ILKHA)