Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 9, 2025 Healthcare
In Afghanistan, the first phase of the national measles vaccination campaign for children, conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the National Expanded Immunization Program, has concluded. Approximately 8.9 million children aged 6 months to 10 years were vaccinated in 17 cold-climate provinces.
Measles remains one of the most contagious diseases and a leading cause of death among children, easily preventable through vaccination. In Afghanistan, where access to routine immunization is limited and many children suffer from malnutrition, the disease can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia and blindness, and can even be fatal.
"Measles is a deadly but preventable disease. In Afghanistan, where many children are particularly vulnerable, vaccination is a matter of survival," said Dr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative in Afghanistan.
Measles outbreaks often occur in winter and early spring, with a noticeable increase in cases during and after cold weather, as cold weather can facilitate the survival of the virus and facilitate easy transmission in situations where large groups of people gather indoors.
In 2024, more than 9,300 cases of measles were registered in Afghanistan, and by August 2025, another 8,500 new cases were reported. The number of outbreaks increased from 127 in 2023 to 430 in 2024. Nearly 92 percent of those infected were children under 10 years old.
Complete eradication of measles
Afghanistan is committed to eliminating measles. Achieving this goal requires a massive vaccination effort to inoculate the majority of the population and prevent new outbreaks both within and outside the country.
"The successful completion of the first phase of the national campaign is a crucial step in protecting millions of children from illness, disability, and death. We are deeply grateful to the health workers, volunteers, and partners who made this possible, even in the most challenging conditions," said Edwin Ceniza Salvador. He emphasized that WHO will continue to support Afghanistan's health system.
“Our task now is to close the gaps in immune protection and integrate this work into the routine immunization system,” said Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan.
The national measles vaccination campaign, which consists of two phases, aims to vaccinate at least 95 percent of children aged 6 months to 10 years.
Following the completion of the first phase, WHO, UNICEF and partners continue to work closely with national health authorities to prepare for the second phase of the campaign and ensure that no child is left unprotected.
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