Afghanistan launches polio vaccination campaign in 18 provinces
A four-day polio vaccination campaign began on Monday in 18 provinces across Afghanistan, including Kabul, as the country remains one of only two nations worldwide where wild poliovirus is endemic.
The campaign, running from Feb. 2 to Feb. 5, 2026, covers Kabul, Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar, Nuristan, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Ghazni, Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan, Zabul, Balkh, Faryab, Kunduz, Herat and Badghis. The Taliban-run Ministry of Public Health stated that vaccinations in Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan and Zabul would start on Tuesday, with the effort eventually expanding to 22 provinces. Around 7.3 million children under five are targeted to receive the oral polio vaccine.
Afghanistan’s polio eradication program called on families to vaccinate their children, emphasizing immunization as the only way to eliminate the disease.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, nine wild poliovirus cases were recorded in Afghanistan in 2024. Globally, 25 cases were reported that year, with nine identified so far in 2025—a 64% decrease from the previous year. In Afghanistan, cases have appeared in nine provinces: Badghis and Nimroz (one each), Helmand (two), Uruzgan (one), Paktika (two), Paktia (one) and Kunar (one). These areas face challenges from difficult terrain, insecurity and limited healthcare access.
The Taliban have imposed restrictions on polio campaigns since September 2024, banning door-to-door vaccinations and female health worker participation, confining efforts to mosques and health centers. Public health experts warn these measures could hinder eradication, especially in remote areas and for families unable to reach fixed sites.
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