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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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Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan boost trade and digital finance ties
Minister Sydykov, in turn, pledged the continuation of Kyrgyzstan’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and highlighted his country’s interest in working together on e-governance initiatives.
Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, Abdul Salam Hanafi, has met with a high-level Kyrgyz delegation led by Minister of Economy and Commerce Bakhyt Sydykov to discuss expanding bilateral trade and strengthening cooperation in digital financial services.
During the meeting, Hanafi reaffirmed Afghanistan’s readiness to deepen ties with Kyrgyzstan, stressing the importance of developing electronic administration systems and modern banking channels to facilitate trade and financial transactions between the two countries.
Minister Sydykov, in turn, pledged the continuation of Kyrgyzstan’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and highlighted his country’s interest in working together on e-governance initiatives. He also pointed to potential cooperation in areas such as the printing of securities and the development of electronic payment systems.
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India reaffirms healthcare support to Afghanistan, hands over medicines and vaccines
Indian officials said the support underscores New Delhi’s commitment to helping improve healthcare services and access to life-saving treatment in Afghanistan.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to continued humanitarian assistance and healthcare cooperation with Afghanistan, with a focus on the long-term supply of essential medicines.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda held a productive meeting with Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Noor Jalal Jalali. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the health sector and addressing the medical needs of the Afghan people.
During the meeting, a symbolic handover of cancer medicines and vaccines was carried out, reflecting India’s ongoing support for Afghanistan’s healthcare system. The ministry also announced that a larger consignment of medicines, vaccines, and a 128-slice CT scanner is being dispatched to Afghanistan as part of India’s humanitarian assistance efforts.
Indian officials said the support underscores New Delhi’s commitment to helping improve healthcare services and access to life-saving treatment in Afghanistan.
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Afghan forces target hideout of suspects linked to cross-border attacks on Chinese nationals
Afghan forces target hideout of suspects linked to cross-border attacks on Chinese nationals
Security sources said that special forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) have targeted a hideout in Badakhshan province linked to suspects involved in attacks against Chinese nationals in neighboring Tajikistan.
According to the sources, the operation was carried out on Tuesday night in Faizabad city, where several individuals suspected of orchestrating cross-border attacks from Badakhshan’s frontier regions were believed to be present. As a result of the operation, one wanted suspect was arrested alive along with weapons and other military equipment.
The sources added that preliminary investigations and initial confessions by the detainee indicate the planning of the attacks was carried out from outside Afghanistan.
This comes as Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on November 27 that three Chinese citizens were killed in an attack in Khatlon province.
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