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WHO and UNICEF vaccinate 8.9 million Afghan children against measles

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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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Pakistan’s rocket attacks still ongoing on Nari district, Kunar

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Farid Dehqan, spokesperson for the Khas Kunar police command, said that rocket attacks by the Pakistani military regime are still ongoing in the province.

According to Dehqan, last night the Pakistani military fired approximately 25 shells in several areas of Nari district, Kunar, and they struck their targets. Heavy weapon fire is also reportedly continuing.

These attacks come despite earlier announcements by the Pakistani military of a temporary ceasefire for Eid.

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IEA defense ministry accuses Pakistan of ceasefire violations

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Afghanistan’s Chief of Armed Forces, Fasihuddin Fitrat, said in his Eid message that Pakistan’s military regime has violated the ceasefire along the Durand line.

According to the Eid message released by the Ministry of Defense, several civilians were killed in attacks carried out by Pakistani forces in border areas.

Fitrat added that the continuation of Pakistan’s attacks despite the ceasefire “demonstrates a lack of commitment and deception” on the part of the country.

He stressed that the Islamic Emirate has refrained from retaliatory action in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation and has remained committed to the ceasefire.

However, he warned that if such attacks are repeated, “the ceasefire will become meaningless,” and the Islamic Emirate will deliver a “decisive response” to Pakistan’s actions.

It is worth noting that the Islamic Emirate and Pakistan reached a temporary ceasefire on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr through mediation by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

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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.

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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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