From October 17 through 19, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Ministry of Public Health have joined forces to conduct a massive polio immunization drive in Afghanistan. The nationwide effort focuses on immunizing children under the age of five. In addition, children ages two through five will receive de-worming tablets to help prevent worm infections that could potentially lead to other health conditions, such as anemia and malnourishment. More than 65,000 healthcare professionals are going door to door to deliver the vaccines and tablets. “Afghanistan is on track to stopping the transmission of polio and our focus is now on finding and vaccinating every child missed for any reason. Most of Afghanistan remains polio-free,” said public health minister Dr. Ferozuddin Feroz. “Everyone has a role to play in stopping this debilitating disease and ensuring that no more children are paralyzed by polio.”

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