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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.
The Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan has announced scholarship opportunities for Afghan students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program for the 2027 academic year.
According to the embassy, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan is offering scholarships for graduate-level study at Japanese universities under the research student category, including both regular and non-regular students.
Interested and eligible applicants can download the application guidelines and forms from the official Study in Japan website and are advised to carefully review all requirements before applying.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and have prepared all required documents must submit their applications by 25 May 2026. The embassy said late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
The first screening process will include a written examination in Kabul on 18 June 2026, followed by interviews scheduled for July 2026 (date to be confirmed).
The Embassy of Japan noted that the Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan will assist in collecting applications and facilitating written examinations, but will not be involved in the selection process.
It further emphasized that the selection will be conducted independently by the embassy and the Japanese government, based on academic merit, quality of application documents, and performance in written and interview examinations, without consideration of religious, linguistic, or ethnic background.
The scholarship program is fully funded and free of charge. The embassy warned applicants to remain cautious against scams, stressing that no financial contributions are required at any stage of the application process.
Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, has launched the distribution of more than 1,000 residential land plots for returning migrants in Logar province.
During a visit to Logar, Hanafi inaugurated a new township and said the initiative aims to support Afghan returnees by providing them with housing opportunities and improving settlement conditions.
He called for speeding up the process of distributing residential plots designated for migrants, stressing the importance of timely implementation.
“We inaugurated this township today, which includes more than 1,000 plots. These plots will be distributed to migrants. In addition, other townships will also be constructed soon,” he said.
Hanafi also noted that over the past three years, more than five million Afghan migrants have returned from neighboring countries, adding that efforts are underway to provide them with essential services and support their reintegration.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, has urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete action against militant threats that Islamabad says originate from Afghan soil.
Speaking at an event at the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul marking the first anniversary of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos against India, Nizamani reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining “brotherly ties” with Afghanistan.
The ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in reducing tensions between Iran and the United States, saying Islamabad’s initiatives reflected its commitment to regional and global peace.
During the ceremony, Nizamani reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to defend itself against any aggression.
“Pakistan’s desire for peace must never be mistaken for weakness,” the ambassador said, calling for heightened vigilance against regional threats.
Pakistani officials have consistently claimed that militants use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate, however, has denied this claim and said that Afghanistan is not responsible for Pakistan’s security failures.
Japan announces MEXT scholarships for Afghan students for 2027 academic year
New township to provide over 1,000 land plots for returnees in Logar
Ariana Afghan Airlines lowers cargo rates on Kabul–Delhi route to boost exports
Pakistan ambassador urges Afghan authorities to act against militant threats
Afghanistan signs $20 million contract for gold mining in Kunduz
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
New Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
Afghanistan’s new cricket head coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Tahawol: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s growing economic ties discussed
Saar: Afghanistan’s relations with the world discussed
Tahawol: Discussion on unknown fate of Middle East crisis
Saar: Problems and challenges of Afghan refugees in the world discussed
Tawsia: Discussion on Afghanistan’s economic path and position
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