The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Forbes has reported that Afghanistan remains one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus is still endemic, underscoring the urgent need for sustained global efforts to eliminate the disease.
According to the report, polio has been reduced by more than 99 percent globally, but persists in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where reaching every child continues to face challenges related to access, trust, and long-term investment.
The article highlights a partnership between UNICEF and Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), which aims to support polio eradication and strengthen broader child health systems, including nutrition and immunization.
Officials emphasized that in countries like Afghanistan, effective vaccination campaigns depend not only on delivering vaccines but also on building community trust and ensuring access in remote and underserved areas. Poor nutrition was also identified as a key factor that can reduce vaccine effectiveness, making integrated health and nutrition programs essential.
The report further noted that partnerships with local communities, health workers, and religious leaders are critical in overcoming misinformation and increasing vaccine acceptance in Afghanistan.
Despite ongoing challenges, experts expressed optimism that polio eradication is within reach if global cooperation and funding commitments are sustained, particularly in high-risk countries like Afghanistan.
