Closing the Measles Immunization Gap in Afghanistan
Afghanistan faces an alarming public health challenge with measles outbreaks, especially among children under five. Vaccination rates remain far below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. The disruptions caused by decades of conflict, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cultural barriers have severely impacted immunization efforts, leaving rural areas underserved and vulnerable. This project, “Closing the Measles Immunization Gap in Afghanistan,” proposes strategic policies to bridge these gaps and achieve 95% vaccination coverage by 2030.
Through extensive research and collaboration with stakeholders, this project identifies actionable solutions to enhance Afghanistan’s immunization efforts. The recommendations focus on improving vaccine delivery systems, leveraging religious leaders for community engagement, and integrating Afghan public health experts into policy-making. These initiatives aim to address logistical challenges, combat vaccine hesitancy, and strengthen Afghanistan’s healthcare infrastructure.
Key interventions include:
Expanding cold chain infrastructure to reach remote regions.
Incentivizing religious leaders to promote immunization during sermons.
Partnering with international organizations like WHO and UNICEF for technical and financial support.
Engaging the Afghan diaspora to bring expertise and culturally sensitive strategies.
