The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon declared the eradication of polio a top priority on 27 September 2012Afghanistan will conduct its fourth round of nationwide national immunization days from 14–16 October 2012. This round is crucial following endorsement of the national polio emergency action plan and declaration of polio eradication as a top priority of the UN Secretary General on 27 September 2012.
As many as 59 632 workers will work to reach 8.3 million children under 5 years of age. These children will be targeted for vaccination; trivalent oral polio vaccine will be used. 7.4 million children aged 06–59 months will also receive vitamin A supplements.
The southern region – the main area of indigenous polio virus circulation – is enhancing its polio activities to improve the quality of vaccination. Additional staff from the national level will be deployed to support provincial teams. Local negotiation with community elders and local commanders is being conducted through regional teams to improve access in security-compromised areas. The areas for special populations, including nomads and gypsies, have been mapped out and targeted for vaccination.
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