WHO calls on people of Afghanistan to vaccinate children as low coverage raises health risks during Global Immunization Week.
The World Health Organization has urged people in Afghanistan to vaccinate their children, warning that many are missing routine immunizations that could save lives.
In a message marking World Immunization Week, the agency said families should visit the nearest health centers to ensure children are fully protected against preventable diseases.
WHO noted that gaps in vaccination coverage remain a serious concern, leaving thousands of children vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases that can otherwise be prevented through timely immunization.
The campaign, held annually in the last week of April, aims to promote vaccine use across all age groups and strengthen public awareness about disease prevention.
Afghanistan continues to face major health challenges, including limited access to healthcare, weak infrastructure, and funding shortages that affect routine immunization programs, particularly in rural areas.
Health agencies warn that disruptions caused by conflict, displacement, and economic hardship have reduced vaccination rates, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks among children.
Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries where polio transmission has not been fully eradicated, making vaccination efforts especially critical in both nations.
Cross-border movement between the two countries, combined with gaps in immunization coverage, continues to pose challenges to global eradication campaigns, requiring sustained regional cooperation and public health investment.
