Polio Vaccinations Continue in Afganistan

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced the initiation of the second round of polio vaccinations in six provinces within the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The WHO's goal is to ensure every child in the selected provinces.

These vaccinations are essential since five wild poliovirus type 1 cases were confirmed in Afghanistan in August 2023.

Although the number of positive samples in Afghanistan increased in 2023 compared to the year 2022, this was partly due to more intensive surveillance in the country, stated the WHO on August 25, 2023.

The WHO's International Travel and Health also recommends that all travelers to polio-affected areas be fully vaccinated against polio.

Residents (and visitors for more than four weeks) from infected areas should receive an additional dose of OPV or inactivated polio vaccine within four weeks to 12 months of travel.

As of September 2023, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is focusing on reaching every last child in Afghanistan with vaccines, strengthening surveillance, and maintaining political commitment, financial resources, and technical support at all levels.