WHO Warns Failure to Vaccinate Returnee Children in Afghanistan Raises Disease Outbreak Risk

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that numerous children returning to Afghanistan have yet to receive any vaccinations, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks and posing a threat to public health in the country.

In a report issued on Sunday, February 15, WHO noted that through primary health care services and identification of returnee children, it has registered them in Afghanistan's National Vaccination System and administered vaccines.

Registering children in the system and issuing vaccination cards not only protects them from deadly diseases but also improves families' access to health services, the report said.

Dr. Edwin Ceniza, WHO representative in Afghanistan, said: "With the active participation of the community and continuous support for health services, we can ensure that no child is left without care."

WHO stressed the importance of reaching unvaccinated children among returnee families to prevent outbreaks of dangerous diseases such as measles and polio, and to safeguard the most vulnerable populations.