Kabul: The Afghan interim government's Ministry of Public Health, in coordination with partner agencies, launched a national anti-polio campaign on Monday, according to the ministry's spokesman, Sharafat Zaman. The campaign aims to immunize approximately 11.8 million children under the age of five against the poliovirus.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the immunization drive will run until Thursday. The campaign not only focuses on administering the polio vaccine but also includes the distribution of Mebendazole tablets. These tablets are a deworming medication intended to treat intestinal worm infections, thereby improving the health and nutrition of children aged between 24 and 59 months.

The initiative comes as Afghanistan continues its efforts to eliminate polio, with the country having reported 25 cases in 2024. The interim government remains committed to eradicating the virus from the nation, encouraging citizens to ensure their children receive the vaccines during this critical campaign.