The Kabul Tribune (KT) — A delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Taliban officials have discussed efforts to eradicate polio in Afghanistan, including expanding vaccination campaigns and strengthening international cooperation in the health sector.
According to a Taliban statement, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Abdul Salam Hanafi met Monday, July 6, 2026, with WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Hanan Balkhy. The two sides discussed polio eradication efforts, Afghanistan's participation in international health conferences and the delivery of healthcare services across the country.
During the meeting, Balkhy expressed optimism that polio could be completely eradicated in Afghanistan within the next 12 months if current efforts continue.
The WHO delegation included representatives from UNICEF and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as Qatar's ambassador to Afghanistan. The delegation also met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and urged the Taliban to continue supporting nationwide polio eradication campaigns.
Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries where wild poliovirus is still endemic. International health agencies, including the WHO and UNICEF, continue to work with Afghan health authorities to conduct nationwide vaccination campaigns, with the goal of eliminating the disease through sustained immunization and improved access to children across the country.
