Afghanistan Among Top 20 Countries with Most Unvaccinated Children, UNICEF Reports

Afghanistan Among Top 20 Countries with Most Unvaccinated Children, UNICEF Reports
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Afghanistan ranks among the top 20 countries worldwide with the highest number of unvaccinated children, Khaama Press revealed citing a recent UNICEF report. Only 16.2 percent of Afghan children are fully vaccinated, exposing millions to preventable diseases and posing a serious public health threat.

Despite ongoing polio vaccination efforts, the disease remains endemic in Afghanistan due to limited healthcare access, persistent conflict, and misinformation. UNICEF estimates that improved vaccination coverage could prevent between 4.9 and 5.4 million child deaths in the country from 2021 to 2030.

The situation is compounded by widespread malnutrition. The World Food Programme reports that four million Afghan mothers and children currently suffer from malnutrition, with 3.5 million children at risk by 2025 if conditions do not improve.

UNICEF highlights the crucial support from the Government of Japan in expanding vaccine accessibility and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Experts warn that without urgent coordinated action to boost immunization, combat malnutrition, and ensure safe aid delivery, millions of Afghan children face severe health risks and possibly death.

Long-term investment in healthcare and education is essential to protect Afghanistan’s children and prevent a deepening humanitarian crisis.