KABUL (Pajhwok): The vaccination of more than 16.6 million children in Afghanistan through two phases of the national measles campaign underscores a strong commitment to protecting children from preventable diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday.

In a joint statement issued by the WHO and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the organizations highlighted the successful completion of the second round of the measles vaccination campaign, carried out in collaboration with Afghanistan's National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).

The campaign, which started on October 29, lasted 10 days, during which 8,355,446 children aged 6 months to 10 years were vaccinated against measles in 17 provinces with hot climates.

This represents 91.7 percent of the targeted 9 million children. Additionally, 3,953,961 children from birth to 10 years old across five southern and one southeastern province received the polio vaccine.

The first round of the measles vaccination campaign, completed earlier in October, reached 8.3 million children in 17 cold-climate provinces, continuing the country's efforts to ensure equitable access to immunization for all children.

The vaccination campaign was launched in response to a rise in measles cases and declining routine immunization rates - with only 51 percent of children having received their first measles dose and 37 percent the second dose. The successful implementation of both vaccination phases has helped close significant immunity gaps and identify unvaccinated children, paving the way for stronger routine immunization efforts and progress toward measles control.

“Thanks to the successful completion of both phases of the national measles campaign, more than 16.6 million children are now protected from this deadly yet preventable disease,” said Dr. Edwin Seniza Salvador, WHO Representative in Afghanistan.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of Afghan health authorities and the tireless efforts of WHO, UNICEF, EPI, and GAVI. Our work will continue until every child, particularly those in remote areas, is reached.”

Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, also emphasized the significance of the campaign, saying,“The second phase of the campaign marked an important milestone in safeguarding children's health. Reaching millions of children across communities is only possible when families, health workers, and partners unite for child protection.”

He reiterated UNICEF's continued commitment to strengthening routine immunization systems to ensure that every child receives the vaccines they need for healthy growth.

hz/sa

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