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WHO and UNICEF vaccinate 8.9 million Afghan children against measles
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have vaccinated 8.9 million children across 17 provinces of Afghanistan during the first phase of a nationwide measles campaign aimed at containing a sharp rise in infections.
Conducted in partnership with Afghanistan’s National Expanded Programme on Immunization (NEPI) and supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the campaign targeted children aged six months to ten years — making it one of the largest public health drives since the Islamic Emirate’s return to power.
According to a report released on 8 October 2025, Afghanistan has witnessed a worrying resurgence of measles, with over 9,300 cases recorded in 2024 and another 8,500 by August 2025.
Outbreaks surged from 127 in 2023 to 430 in 2024, with nearly 92% of cases among children under ten. WHO warned that low vaccination rates — just 55% coverage for the first dose and 44% for the second — have left millions vulnerable.
“Measles is a deadly but preventable disease, and in a country where so many children are at risk, vaccination is a lifeline,” said Dr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative in Afghanistan.
He praised health workers and volunteers who reached children “in some of the most difficult and remote areas,” and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to ensuring no child is left behind.
UNICEF Representative Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale described the campaign as a “major step forward” but cautioned that it also “rings alarm bells” about deep inequalities in healthcare access.
“No child in Afghanistan should die from a preventable disease,” he said, urging authorities to strengthen routine immunization and ensure sustained access to health services.
Measles remains one of the most contagious diseases globally and a leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths among children.
In Afghanistan, where malnutrition, limited healthcare, and movement restrictions on female health workers persist, the virus poses an even greater threat — often leading to pneumonia, blindness, or death in unvaccinated children.
WHO and UNICEF said the second phase of the campaign will aim to reach 95% of children nationwide, identify those missed during phase one, and reinforce Afghanistan’s fragile immunization system.
They described the initial phase as “a vital milestone,” stressing that continued access, transparency, and the full participation of women in healthcare delivery are essential to protect every Afghan child from preventable disease.
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Security Sources: Pakistani military shelling in Kunar and Nuristan leaves female doctor dead
The sources said the vehicle was struck by gunfire and subsequently fell into the Kunar River.
Security sources report that several security incidents in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nuristan have resulted in the death of a female doctor, injuries to others, and several people reported missing.
According to the sources, early Thursday morning at around 9:30 a.m., Pakistani military forces opened fire on a Toyota vehicle in the Dokalam Baghcha area of Nari district in Kunar province.
The sources said the vehicle was struck by gunfire and subsequently fell into the Kunar River. As a result of the incident, a female doctor was killed and another person was injured. Five other individuals who were reportedly in the vehicle remain missing, the sources added.
In a separate incident, security sources stated that around 11:00 a.m. in the Seno area of Shultan district, Kunar province, Pakistani forces carried out artillery shelling that left one person injured. The injured individual was transferred to the provincial hospital for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, security sources in Nuristan say that despite Pakistan’s announced ceasefire, the main road between Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts has been completely closed to traffic since Thursday morning.
According to the sources, the closure of the route has caused serious difficulties for local residents, preventing any movement in the area. The sources also claim that Pakistani military posts are located within close proximity of the road and have opened fire on people attempting to pass through the area.
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UN Secretary-General condemns Pakistani airstrike on Kabul rehab center
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing the importance of diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
The United Nations Secretary-General has strongly condemned a Pakistani airstrike on a rehabilitation center for addicts in Kabul and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
The attack, which occurred on March 16, reportedly left over 600 people killed or injured, according to local sources.
In an official statement, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, emphasized that under international humanitarian law, patients, medical staff, and healthcare facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected at all times.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated: “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the airstrike in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, on March 16, which reportedly resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians at a medical facility.”
Haq added that Guterres has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident, while offering his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
The Secretary-General reiterated the urgent need to reduce tensions and immediately halt hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and peaceful solutions in accordance with the UN Charter.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing the importance of diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
This development comes after Afghanistan and Pakistan announced a temporary cessation of hostilities ahead of Eid al-Fitr, a move that regional officials hope will pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians in both countries.
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IEA Supreme Leader: Afghanistan’s victory lies in faith and National unity
Akhundzada also called on citizens to support the Islamic Emirate, stating that those serving in the current system are the sons of the same nation and people.
Eid al-Fitr prayers were held on Thursday at the Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar, led by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with a large number of residents attending the ceremony.
During his sermon, Akhundzada said that if the people of Afghanistan were meant to be destroyed by bombardments and military attacks, it would have happened during the wars with the Soviet Union and the United States.
According to the Islamic Emirate leader, the key to Afghanistan’s victory and resilience lies in reliance on Islam, preservation of religious beliefs, and unity among the people. He stressed that by adhering to Islamic values, no country would be able to harm Afghanistan.
Akhundzada also called on citizens to support the Islamic Emirate, stating that those serving in the current system are the sons of the same nation and people.
At the same time, he urged government officials to ensure justice in their duties, warning that no system can survive through oppression. He added that the implementation of decrees and laws is necessary to reform society and maintain order in the country.
The Islamic Emirate leader further said that without Islam, Afghanistan could have remained under the control of the United States and NATO, but now, according to him, the country stands as an independent and free nation.
In the economic section of his remarks, Akhundzada called on traders to avoid hoarding goods and instead assist fellow Muslims in difficult times. He warned that individuals found hoarding commodities for up to 40 days would face legal consequences.
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