Minister of Public Health Meets WHO Officials to Strengthen Health Collaboration
Kabul – Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, Minister of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), met with Mr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative in Afghanistan, and Dr. Hamid Jafari, Regional Director of the Polio Eradication Program for the Eastern Mediterranean. The meeting, held at the Minister’s office, focused on enhancing cooperation in key health areas.
A range of critical health issues was discussed, including launching targeted training programs to build healthcare workers’ capacity, improving the effectiveness of polio vaccination, and expanding access to services for returning refugees. Participants also addressed the provision of essential medical equipment to hospitals, implementation of mass immunization policies, and support for cancer treatment.
Minister Jalali emphasized that combating polio and other communicable diseases remains a top priority. He called for greater coordination among stakeholders and stressed the need for a practical, comprehensive plan to ensure effective vaccination coverage and disease prevention.
He also highlighted initiatives at the Torkham border to support returnees and requested WHO’s assistance in equipping newly built hospitals for thalassemia treatment in Herat province.
WHO representatives outlined their current efforts and pledged continued support in all the mentioned areas, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to improving public health in Afghanistan.
