Autumn anti-polio drive kicks off

KABUL (MoPH) on Monday called on all families to vaccinate their children bellow five year of age.

The three days campaign was launched across the country, covering 8.2 million children. Another 7.4 million children from six to 9 months would be administered Vitamin-A during the campaign, a statement from MoPH said.

It added the nationwide campaign featured more than 46,000 volunteers and health workers. Provincial governors, districts and police chiefs, as well as other officials were urged cooperate with polio teams.

Since the beginning of the current year, six positive polio cases have been detected — three in Lalpura, Ghanikhel and Batikot districts of Nangarhar province and as many from Khas Kunar and Watapur districts of Kunar.

Last year, 37 polio cases were registered in southern and southwestern provinces. Afghanistan and Nigeria are the only three countries where the disease is yet to be eliminated.

pr/mud

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