Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – After a disruptive pause in Afghanistan’s polio vaccination program in 2024, the Taliban government has reinstated the immunization campaign but with new restrictions that could jeopardize the health of children. In late October 2024, the Taliban resumed vaccinating children under five, yet limited vaccine distribution to mosques and village centers—eliminating door-to-door efforts, which have long been a key part of successful immunization campaigns.
The decision to halt door-to-door vaccinations comes after the program was paused twice last year, most notably from August to October 2024, raising serious concerns about a potential increase in polio cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Afghanistan recorded 25 positive polio cases in 2024—the highest number in four years. This resurgence is concentrated mainly in the southern provinces, including Helmand and Kandahar, areas historically hard-hit by the virus.
Many parents expressed frustration with the new approach. “If my brother hadn’t been at the mosque, I wouldn’t have known about the campaign. My children would have missed out,” said Gul Sima, a mother from Marja district in Helmand. Others shared similar challenges, with some parents unable to bring their children for vaccination due to work commitments or social restrictions, especially for women who face difficulties attending vaccination sites alone.
The Taliban’s concerns about door-to-door vaccination have been rooted in security fears, particularly regarding the potential for foreign agencies to track Taliban leaders. There are also claims that local religious leaders requested the shift, citing concerns over the presence of female vaccinators. However, many parents argue that the mosque-centered approach is inadequate, with some expressing fear of missing the chance to protect their children.
As the immunization campaign faces logistical challenges and continued uncertainty, experts worry that the disruption in vaccination efforts could result in a setback in the fight against polio, a disease that can cause lifelong disability and death.
The Afghan Ministry of Public Health, while disputing the WHO’s reported cases, faces mounting pressure to ensure that the Taliban’s new policies do not hinder efforts to protect Afghan children from this preventable disease.
