Afghanistan, July 9 -- Afghanistan could eliminate wild poliovirus within the next 12 months if vaccination efforts are reinforced by stronger healthcare services and closer coordination among health partners, the World Health Organization (WHO) said following high-level meetings in Kabul.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy said ending transmission of the virus will require more than nationwide vaccination campaigns. She said strengthening routine immunization, maintaining essential health services, and improving the country's healthcare system are all critical to achieving polio eradication.
"Delivering life-saving vaccines to every child must go hand in hand with strengthening routine immunization, maintain...