The annual evaluation and coordination meeting on polio conducted

The annual evaluation and coordination meeting on polio was conducted with attendance from the Minister of Public Health, His Excellency Dr. Qalandar Ebad, provincial health directors, representatives from the polio department, delegates from the World Health Organization, and numerous healthcare professionals.

Minister of Public Health, His Excellency Dr. Qalandar Ebad, emphasized polio as a significant threat to Afghanistan. He highlighted that the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with representatives from the World Health Organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other relevant entities, has engaged in sessions and discussions focused on controlling and preventing this disease.

His Excellency Dr. Qalandar Ebad further stated that with the advent of the Islamic Emirate, Afghanistan reported only 8 positive cases of polio nationwide in the years 2022 and 2023. He attributed this achievement to the control and prevention measures in place, marking a substantial accomplishment.

The Minister affirmed their commitment to providing standard healthcare services nationwide and assisting in procuring polio vaccines for all children in the country, aiming for the complete eradication of the poliovirus in Afghanistan.

His Excellency Dr. Qalandar Ebad declared the year 2024 as the final year for rooting out and controlling polio. He outlined that the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with its partners, has planned to conduct four polio vaccination campaigns throughout the country in the current year 2024.