Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health, with support from international partners, has launched the first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2026.

The three-day campaign aims to vaccinate approximately 12.6 million children under the age of five, according to the ministry.

Officials said the initiative is a key step toward preventing the spread of the poliovirus and strengthening child health nationwide.

The ministry confirmed that the campaign has been postponed in Daikundi and Bamiyan provinces due to cold weather conditions, while in Ghor province it will be conducted one week later.

Minister of Public Health Noor Jalal Jalali said at the launch that the ministry, in cooperation with international partners, remains committed to preventing the spread of polio and working toward its complete eradication in Afghanistan.