Afghanistan Launches Nationwide Polio Drive for 11.6 Million Children

The Afghan interim government’s Ministry of Public Health launched a nationwide campaign today to administer polio vaccines to 11.6 million children under the age of five. The campaign will provide anti-polio drops to children across the country, said Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil, spokesperson for the ministry. He said a supplementary dose of vitamin A will also be



provided to children.

In his message, Amarkhil urged tribal elders, religious scholars, and local residents to actively participate and fully cooperate with polio workers to implement the campaign properly. According to official data, Afghanistan recorded 25 polio cases last year.