Afghanistan carried out its first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of the year from 21 to 23 April, targeting more than 11 million children under age five. The effort was synchronized with a similar campaign in neighboring Pakistan. This is a vital strategy in the race to stop poliovirus transmission in the last two countries where the disease is endemic.

Just four weeks later, Afghanistan had a second nationwide campaign, and it was again synchronized with Pakistan’s. This back-to-back coordination is helping to close immunity gaps and intensify the fight against the virus before the season of high risk of transmission begins. Despite operating in a difficult environment, Afghanistan’s polio eradication program continues to adapt and innovate to protect every child.