Afghan refugees’ return hinders polio vaccination: UNICEF

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has voiced concerns over the impact of the large-scale return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan on the implementation of polio vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan.
During a visit to the Torkham gate on Monday, May 20, the Director of UNICEF’s polio eradication program observed the refugees return process and emphasized the need for intensified efforts to vaccinate returning refugees against polio.
Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries globally where polio cases persist.
Despite claims by the Taliban of eradicating polio within the country, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed two positive cases in Kunar and Nuristan provinces this year alone.

ENDS