16 Feb 2026 - 07:52
The Kabul Tribune (KT) - The World Health Organization (WHO) says that many children returning to Nimroz Province are considered “zero-dose,” meaning they have not received any routine vaccines, including those for measles, polio, and other serious diseases. Most of these children do not have vaccination cards and have never received immunization services.
WHO warns that low vaccination coverage among returnee children significantly heightens the risk of disease outbreaks. Without immediate intervention, infections can spread rapidly, triggering localized epidemics and endangering entire communities—particularly the most vulnerable, including young children.
Through WHO-supported primary health care outreach services, health workers are identifying unvaccinated children within returning families and referring them to nearby health centres. There, they are enrolled in Afghanistan’s national immunization system and provided with age-appropriate vaccines.
“Reaching zero-dose children among returning families is critical to preventing outbreaks and protecting the most vulnerable,” said Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to Afghanistan. “With strong community engagement and sustained health support, we can ensure that no child is left behind.”
WHO underscores that ensuring access to these children is essential to preventing the spread of disease and safeguarding public health.
