To date, there are 53 children who have permanently been disabled by polio. Of these children, 35 cases have been reported from the south region, 8 from west, 6 from southeast, 2 from east, and one each from north and northeast regions.
“The road to polio eradication is difficult but achieving the goal is not impossible,” said Peter Jan Graaff, acting WHO Representative in Afghanistan. “Widened immunity gaps, resulting from disruptions to vaccination campaigns because of COVID-19 and insecurity, are a critical challenge but also represent an opportunity for all parties to renew commitment and solidarity to secure a polio-free Afghanistan. The polio programme remains confident in its time-tested ability to adapt and innovate to end polio and continue support in building stronger health systems through the delivery of essential health services, but we need everyone’s support to cross the finish line.”
Vaccinating every child through multiple doses of the polio vaccine is the only way to stop the polioviruses currently in circulation. It is a collective responsibility. Donors have committed the necessary funds; government and partners are working together to ensure vaccine availability; polio eradication workers are going beyond in challenging environments to reach children with vaccines. Now, it is the responsibility of parents and communities to ensure their children are protected against polio.
“When a child is paralysed, it is a life ruined, it’s a burden to the family, community and indeed to everyone,” said Sheema Sen Gupta, UNICEF Country Representative for Afghanistan. “This should not happen, every child deserves to be protected against polio. Despite the challenges, we need to adapt strategies that accelerate the eradication of polio and do our part and complete the job.”
The Government, WHO, UNICEF and health partners are calling for a combined effort and safe access to vaccinate all children in difficult and conflict-prone areas. Every Afghan has role to play in ending polio in Afghanistan.
