Humanitarian response to enhance vaccination delivery in Afghanistan

About this project

Afghanistan remains one of only two countries where wild poliovirus is still endemic, making polio a persistent and urgent global public health concern. Eradication efforts are challenged by decades of conflict, political instability, and limited access to health services, particularly in the southern and eastern regions. Routine immunization coverage remains critically low, with over 48 percent of children aged 12 to 23 months not fully vaccinated, leaving large numbers of zero-dose and under-immunized children. Population mobility further complicates immunization efforts. Between January and September 2025, nearly 2.1 million undocumented individuals returned to Afghanistan following mass deportations from neighboring countries. Combined with internal displacement and seasonal migration, these movements can disrupt vaccination schedules and increase the risk of cross-border transmission. To address persistent immunity gaps among mobile and underserved populations, IOM proposes deploying 18 CBVCs, 12 outreach locations, and 5 VTTs across priority districts in southern and eastern Afghanistan. IOM uses a three-step approach to identify priority districts: it first prioritizes districts based on transmission risk and population vulnerability; then identifies gaps in high mobility areas such as migration routes and displacement zones; and finally coordinates with partners to ensure targeted and effective coverage.

Goals

Sustainable Development Goals this project works towards

• 3Good Health and Well-being

Published by

International Organization for Migration (IOM) · Multilateral

Countries

Afghanistan

Sectors

Material relief assistance and services

Funded by

Gates Foundation

Implemented by

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Accountable

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Published by International Organization for Migration (IOM) to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), last updated 30 Oct 2026 and imported automatically. IATI identifier: XM-DAC-47066-MP0726.

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