UN Agencies Announce End of Second Phase of Nationwide Measles Vaccination in Afghanistan

United Nations-affiliated organizations have announced the completion of the second phase of the nationwide measles vaccination campaign in Afghanistan. In this phase, more than eight million children received the vaccine.

The campaign was implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Gavi Vaccine Alliance. It began on October 19, and over 8,355,000 children aged six months to 10 years in 17 provinces received one dose of the measles vaccine. Additionally, more than 3,953,000 children in five southern and southeastern provinces received one dose of oral polio vaccine.

Dr. Edwin S. Salvador, the WHO Representative, stated: "The implementation of the second nationwide campaign to protect nine million more Afghan children demonstrates the commitment of WHO, Afghan health officials, partners, and communities to protect children from preventable diseases."

Dr. Tajuddin Oyowale, the UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, stated: "The completion of this second phase is another important step in protecting Afghan children from diseases that should never cost a child's life."

The United Nations organizations added that with the successful completion of both phases of the nationwide measles vaccination campaign in Afghanistan, more than 16.6 million children are now protected against this deadly but preventable disease.