Taliban Suspends Polio Vaccination Campaign in Afghanistan

The Taliban has suspended a polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan, according to a report by the Associated Press citing the United Nations.

The reason for the suspension remains unclear, with no official comments from Taliban representatives. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only countries still struggling to eradicate polio, a disease that causes paralysis in children.

A senior World Health Organization (WHO) official mentioned discussions about shifting from door-to-door vaccinations to administering vaccines in locations like mosques. So far in 2024, the WHO has confirmed 18 polio cases in Afghanistan, primarily in the southern region, marking an increase from six cases reported in 2023.