Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that mainly threatens children and can cause permanent paralysis and, in severe cases, death. There is no specific cure for polio, but vaccination can protect children against the disease. For this reason, polio vaccination is one of the most important ways to prevent its spread.
The nationwide polio vaccination campaign begins today, 21 September 2026, across Afghanistan, targeting children under five years of age. Families can play an important role in protecting their own children and other children in their communities by cooperating with vaccination teams.
It is important to understand that being vaccinated during previous campaigns does not mean that a child should miss the current campaign. Receiving polio vaccine during different campaign rounds helps strengthen children’s protection. Therefore, families should allow every eligible child to receive the vaccine during each campaign.
Polio is not only a concern for one family; the health of every child is connected to the health of the wider community. When some children remain unvaccinated, the risk of continued transmission of the virus and harm to other children increases. The cooperation of families, community leaders, teachers, health workers, and other members of the community is therefore very important for the success of the campaign.
Parents and caregivers can play an important role in protecting the next generation by welcoming vaccination teams and encouraging other families to have their children vaccinated. No child should miss the opportunity to receive the polio vaccine because of lack of awareness or neglect.
Afghanistan Organization Women Arise (AOWA) recognizes health awareness and the protection of children’s health as important areas of concern and encourages families and communities to cooperate with the polio vaccination campaign and support the vaccination of children.
Every vaccinated child is another step towards a polio-free Afghanistan.
