A round of polio vaccination began on Monday (February 26) in 21 provinces of Afghanistan. This is the second round of vaccinations for 2024.

The Ministry of Public Health said that more than 7.6 million children under five will be vaccinated during the four-day campaign.

“During the four-day vaccination campaign, more than 7.6 million children will be vaccinated in 21 provinces. Our goal is to root out the polio virus in the country,” said Sharafat Zaman Amarkhel, the spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health.

Doctors said that besides vaccination, there also exists other ways to eradicate the virus.

“Those children who come from neighboring countries to Afghanistan, they must be vaccinated. We should also take care of our hygiene to prevent this virus,” said Faridullah Omari, a doctor.

Meanwhile people called on the Islamic Emirate to make an effort to eradicate the polio virus in Afghanistan.

“Much must be done in this regard, the Ministry of Health must strive diligently so that our country is free of polio,” said Ezatullah, a Kabul resident.

Earlier, the acting minister of Public Health said that they are trying to root out the disease by 2025.