WHO urges faster polio eradication efforts in Afghanistan — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for accelerated efforts to eradicate polio in Afghanistan, expand children’s access to vaccines, and strengthen health services in the country following the conclusion of a high-level delegation’s visit. In a statement posted on X on Friday, WHO said Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, had concluded her visit to Afghanistan while leading a delegation from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The delegation, which included representatives from UNICEF, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, and the Gates Foundation, held meetings in Kabul and Kandahar with Afghan officials, UN partners, donors, and health workers. WHO said discussions during the visit focused on reaching children who have not received vaccinations, strengthening immunization programs, and sustaining essential health services amid declining global funding. “Afghanistan, as one of only two countries where wild poliovirus remains endemic, has a critical role in ending polio globally,” Dr. Balkhy said. She emphasized that achieving this goal requires stronger health surveillance systems, effective disease monitoring, a skilled health workforce, and continued investment. WHO also reported that more than 22 million people in Afghanistan are in need of humanitarian assistance, including 14.4 million who require health services. The organization added that since the beginning of 2026, approximately 150 health facilities have either suspended operations or closed…