01
Story
Health workers in Afghanistan brave safety fears, to continue treating the sick
An Afghan doctor has told that he is committed to providing essential healthcare services to people who have fled their homes due to conflict in Afghanistan.
Read more
1 / 2
02
“CLIMATE ACTION FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET: THE TIME IS NOW”
02
Story
“CLIMATE ACTION FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET: THE TIME IS NOW”
In this pivotal year for humanity, now is the time for bold climate action.
Read more
2 / 2
01
Health workers in Afghanistan brave safety fears, to continue treating the sick
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Afghanistan
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Afghanistan:
Press Release
17 August 2021
United Nations staying to support aid response in Afghanistan
The United Nations in Afghanistan reiterate their commitment to stay and deliver aid to millions of people in need in the country. While some UN personnel that are not location dependent has temporarily been relocated, the majority of humanitarian personnel are staying to support the humanitarian response in line with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.
The humanitarian community – both the UN and non-governmental organizations – remain committed to helping people in Afghanistan. While the situation is highly complex, humanitarian agencies are committed to supporting vulnerable people in Afghanistan who need us more than ever.
The humanitarian community – both the UN and non-governmental organizations – remain committed to helping people in Afghanistan. While the situation is highly complex, humanitarian agencies are committed to supporting vulnerable people in Afghanistan who need us more than ever.
1 of 2
Story
22 June 2021
Breaking taboos
In Afghanistan’s conservative culture, there are some common misconceptions about menstruation. It is considered a taboo. Young girls associate it with something negative, shameful, or even dirty. Many parents refuse to discuss menstruation with their daughters. Girls, on the other hand, remain quiet about the initiation of their menstrual cycle out of fear their parents will arrange marriage for them.
According to a recent U-Report poll, more than 50 per cent of girls in Afghanistan start their period without having any knowledge of what to expect or understanding of why it is happening.
“I thought I was suffering from a disease. My face turned pale and I did not have the guts to inform anyone, even my mom,” Muzhda told us.
Common myths around menstruation
Some of the common myths involve personal hygiene and food.
“I was told that having a menstrual cycle is a sign of misery,” says Muzhda. “I was also advised not to bathe, to avoid eating yogurt and onions, and not to cook while having my period.”
Women and girls continue to be excluded and discriminated against due to persistent stigma, myths, and taboos around menstruation.
“When we were in grade 7, my classmate, Roqia, had her first period and she was devastated,” recalls Muzhda. “After class, I saw Roqia sitting in a corner crying. She was scared and ashamed that she got her school uniform dirty.”
Muzhda comforted Roqia by telling her that her menstruation cycle is a normal bodily function for adolescent girls and women, as well as a sign of maturity. But Roqia was worried because her parents had told her that when she got her period, they would marry her off – which would mean leaving school.
The myths around menstruation not only affect girls’ personal lives, but also impact their school attendance due to lack of sanitation facilities.
According to Child Deprivation Analysis, 2020, 30 per cent of girl students in Afghanistan are absent during menstruation because schools do not have adequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
Evidence shows that girls’ inability to properly manage their menstrual hygiene in schools, results in school absenteeism. This, in turn, translates to significant economic losses later in life for themselves – and their nation that is deprived of their talents and productivity.
Given the multiple challenges adolescent girls in Afghanistan face, it is clear that promoting and investing in menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is not only a sanitation issue, it is also an important step towards safeguarding the dignity, education and overall life opportunities of girls and women.
With thanks to the Government of Finland, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Rural Rehabilitation and Development, is tackling these challenges. Last year, UNICEF trained over 500 female teachers, like Rukhshana, on menstrual hygiene management (MHM), and distributed over 100,000 copies of MHM awareness raising materials in Dari and Pashto to teachers and girls across Afghanistan. This year, with partners, UNICEF plans to train over 550 male and female teachers in 130 schools across Afghanistan.
“When I get married, I will educate my daughter on how to manage her menstrual cycle so that she does not suffer like I did,” says Muzhda resolutely.
1 of 2
Story
25 August 2021
Health workers in Afghanistan brave safety fears, to continue treating the sick
Some 8-10,000 people have arrived in Kabul from ten provinces in recent weeks following the advance of the Taliban, and I’m part of a team of doctors and nurses who are providing health care for these new arrivals.
These people fled their homes and now have nothing, no houses, no jobs and very little money and generally they are fearful of living in Kabul and angry that they had to leave their homes.
We are providing a range of services to them in camps for displaced people in the city. They are arriving with many different diseases and common complaints including diarrhoea and pneumonia. Around three quarters of the people we are treating are women and children.
On Monday [23 August]. I was part of a team of six doctors including three women, who have been providing women-specific services and have helped to deliver a number of babies. We also have five nurses on the team. Our workday is very long and hard; I start at around 7am and can sometimes work until midnight which means, as a team, we can treat up to 500 people a day.
Sometimes, the security situation means I will stay at home. If there are reports of gunfire or other disturbances as well as roadblocks, the team members decide is too dangerous to work. It can be very tense on the streets. Sometimes, it is just the men who work.
My female colleagues are, of course, concerned about their future, as we all are. They don’t know what the future holds, whether they will be allowed to carry on working as they do now. We don’t know whether the situation will get worse for women, stay the same or maybe even improve.
We have not really interacted in a meaningful way with the Taliban since they entered Kabul, although they did come to the camp once where we were providing services to ask us what we were doing.
Security is the main concern right now for the displaced people, and also for other people in the city, but we are also worried about the lack of medicines and food, as shops and markets are still closed in Kabul. I am a doctor, so my job is to help and heal people. I feel deeply committed to supporting Afghan people at this time, during this bad situation, but I can only help if I feel safe at work. My message to the rest of the world is please help Afghanistan; this is a poor country, but the people here have good hearts, and I will continue to do my best to work for and protect all Afghan people. Dr Khali Ahmadi* is an Afghan doctor, continuing his work from Kabul. He is committed to providing essential healthcare services to people despite the lack of security and ongoing instability in the country. He called on the international community to carry on supporting Afghanistan. *Real name withheld to protect identity
Security is the main concern right now for the displaced people, and also for other people in the city, but we are also worried about the lack of medicines and food, as shops and markets are still closed in Kabul. I am a doctor, so my job is to help and heal people. I feel deeply committed to supporting Afghan people at this time, during this bad situation, but I can only help if I feel safe at work. My message to the rest of the world is please help Afghanistan; this is a poor country, but the people here have good hearts, and I will continue to do my best to work for and protect all Afghan people. Dr Khali Ahmadi* is an Afghan doctor, continuing his work from Kabul. He is committed to providing essential healthcare services to people despite the lack of security and ongoing instability in the country. He called on the international community to carry on supporting Afghanistan. *Real name withheld to protect identity
1 of 5
Story
22 June 2021
Afghanistan receives shipment of medical kits to support health care delivery services
15 June 2021 – An aircraft carrying 39 tonnes of emergency health, cholera, and trauma kits donated by the Government of the Russian Federation landed in Kabul today to support the strengthening and maintenance of essential health services in Afghanistan.
The shipment contains 100 emergency health kits, enough to serve the various health needs of 200 000 people for 3 months, 20 cholera kits, enough to treat 2000 patients, and 20 trauma kits to meet the needs of 1000 patients requiring surgical care in emergency situations.
“WHO appreciates the generous support of the Russian Federation for this significant shipment, which is critical to maintaining essential health services in Afghanistan. We are committed to delivering life-saving health care to all people in need. This is especially important where escalating conflict is leading to an increase in the number of people requiring trauma care, while COVID-19 is overwhelming the health response,” said Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Afghanistan.
“I thank the Government of Russia and WHO for this generous donation, which will assuredly provide relief during these tasking times, especially for people most in need,” said Dr Shafiq Mirzazada, Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Public Health.
WHO is working with the Ministry of Public Health to distribute the supplies to health care facilities across Afghanistan in a plan to reach a wide range of beneficiaries, including those with limited access to health services.
“This shipment is just the first of 2 that the Russian Embassy in Kabul is working with WHO to deliver to Afghanistan. We are keen to support the country’s health system, especially during this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” confirmed Mr Alexey Pereverzev, Deputy Russian Ambassador to Kabul.
Afghanistan has for long been battling serious challenges to its health care system. Conflict remains the primary driver of need in 2021, threatening people’s well-being, causing extreme physical and psychological harm, forcibly displacing hundreds of thousands of people every year, and limiting access to health services. COVID-19 has further complicated the situation, increasing the vulnerability of various groups such as refugees, women and children.
1 of 5
Story
22 June 2021
Five polio vaccination workers shot dead in Afghanistan; UN condemns ‘brutal’ killings
The UN humanitarian coordination office OCHA, said the deaths and injuries occurred during five separate attacks on health workers – the latest in a recent spate which saw three health workers killed in March during the national polio vaccination effort in Nangahar.
Earlier this month, humanitarian workers with the Halo Trust demining group, came under attack in northern Afghanistan, where extremists from an ISIL affiliate killed ten and wounded more than a dozen, in what the UN Security Council described as an "atrocious and cowardly targeted attack".
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, said that he was “appalled by the brutality of these killings” on Tuesday, adding that “the senseless violence must stop”, urging Afghan authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
He said the national campaign which only began on Monday, aimed at reaching nearly 10 million under-fives, had been suspended in the eastern region. “Polio immunization campaigns are a vital and effective way to reach millions of children…Depriving children from an assurance of a healthy life, is inhumane.”
An attack on children
“The UN strongly condemns all attacks on health workers anywhere. The delivery of healthcare is impartial, and any attack against health workers and those who work to defend them, is an attack on the children, whose very lives they are trying to protect”, he added.
The UN extended deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives, wishing the injured a full recovery.
Tedros 'deeply saddened'
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tweeted that he was “deeply saddened” by the attacks, adding that “access to essential health service and immunization campaigns should be unimpeded so that communities can be protected.”
According to news reports, Afghanistan reported 56 new cases of polio last year. But officials have reported that only one wild polio virus case has been detected in the country since October last year.
1 of 5
Story
22 June 2021
Afghanistan: UN condemns ‘horrendous attack’ on demining partner HALO Trust
The United Nations on Wednesday called for an investigation into the deadly attack in northern Afghanistan against the HALO Trust, a humanitarian group working to rid the country of landmines. In a statement issued on Friday, the UN Security Council described the attack as "atrocious and cowardly", underlining the need to hold the terrorist perpetrators to account.
Ten people were killed, and 16 others injured, when gunmen burst into a demining camp in Baghlan-e-Markazi district and opened fire.
HALO Trust said the attack occurred around 9:50 pm Tuesday, local time, when some 110 men, from local communities in northern Afghanistan, were in the camp after finishing their work on nearby minefields.
Bring perpetrators to justice
In strongly condemning the attack, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the HALO Trust is a global partner in operations to clear landmines, and other explosive devices, and to better the lives of vulnerable people.
“We send heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, and we wish for a speedy and full recovery to the injured”, he said, during his latest media briefing in New York.
“We further call for a full investigation to ensure that those responsible for this horrendous attack are held accountable and brought to justice. "
Outrage and condemnation
Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan, echoed the call for an investigation.
“It is repugnant that an organization that works to clear landmines and other explosives and better the lives of vulnerable people could be targeted”, he said in a statement.
Since 1989, more than 40,000 Afghans have been killed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, according to data from the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS). Last year it helped the country to clear some 14 square kilometres of land.
“UNMAS is outraged by and condemns in the strongest terms the attack on humanitarian deminers last night in Afghanistan,” the agency said in a post on Twitter.
“We are dismayed and saddened for the victims, their families, and the terror inflicted on the survivors.”
Human targets
The UN mission in the country, UNAMA, also took to Twitter to condemn the attack, describing it as “deeply shocking”.
UNAMA stated that warring parties “have a fundamental responsibility to safeguard humanitarians in the areas they control. Yet it is clear that certain parties and people within their ranks are deliberately targeting them.”
The mission added that “all those parties claiming to desire peace for the Afghan people need to demonstrate concrete action to support their claims and put an end to the terrible crimes such as witnessed in Baghlan”.
The UN has underlined its commitment to staying in Afghanistan, where aid workers, particularly women, are facing increased attacks and harassment.
Mr Dujarric reported that 11 were killed, 27 injured and 36 abducted, between January and April of this year.
“Our humanitarian colleagues warn that interference with humanitarian activities escalated in 2020, with a 140 per cent increase in incidents compared to 2019. This escalating trend continues in 2021”, he said.
He urged parties to the conflict to protect civilians, aid workers and civilian structures such as schools and hospitals, in line with international humanitarian law.
UPDATE: Security Council condemns 'atrocious and cowardly' attack
The members of the Security Council issued a statement on Friday, condemning "in the strongest terms the atrocious and cowardly targeted attack against humanitarian mine clearance workers that took place in Baghlan-e-Markazi"
Ambassadors noted the attack had been claimed by Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) an entity affiliated with extremist terrorist group ISIL, which "resulted in at least 10 people killed and wounded more than a dozen people, many of whom were of the Hazara minority.
"The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Afghanistan and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. "
1 of 5
Story
19 April 2021
“CLIMATE ACTION FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET: THE TIME IS NOW”
By António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
The science is irrefutable and globally agreed: to stop the climate crisis from becoming a permanent catastrophe, we must limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To do this, we must get to net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by mid-century. Countries making up about two-thirds of the global economy have committed to do so. This is encouraging, but we urgently need every country, city, business, and financial institution to join this coalition and adopt concrete plans for transitioning to net zero.
Even more urgent is for governments to match this long-term ambition with concrete actions now, as trillions of dollars are mobilized to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Revitalizing economies is our chance to re-engineer our future.
The world has a strong framework for action: the Paris Agreement, in which all countries committed to set their own national climate action plans and strengthen them every five years. Over five years later, and with damning proof that if we don’t act we will destroy our planet, it is time for decisive and effective action as the United Nations convenes all countries in Glasgow in November for COP26.
The new national plans must cut global greenhouse gas pollution by at least 45 percent by 2030 compared to 2010 levels. Many have been presented already and set out clearer policies to adapt to the impacts of climate change and boost access to renewable energy. But so far, those plans achieve less than a 1 percent cut in emissions. This is a true red alert for people and the planet.
In the months ahead, beginning with the upcoming Leaders Summit hosted by the United States, governments must dramatically step up their ambitions – particularly the biggest-emitting countries that have caused the vast bulk of the crisis. Phasing out coal from the electricity sector is the single most important step to get in line with the 1.5-degree goal. Immediate action to remove the dirtiest, most polluting fossil fuel from power sectors offers our world a fighting chance.
Global coal use in electricity generation must fall by 80 percent below 2010 levels by 2030. This means that developed economies must commit to phase out coal by 2030; other countries must do this by 2040. There is simply no reason for any new coal plants to be built anywhere. One third of the global coal fleet is already more costly to operate than building new renewables and storage. COP26 must signal an end to coal.
As the world moves toward clean air and renewable energy, it is essential that we ensure a just transition. Workers in impacted industries and the informal sector must be supported as they move jobs or reskill. We must also unleash the vast power of women and girls to drive transformation, including as equal participants in governance and decision-making.
The countries that contributed least to climate change are suffering many of the worst impacts. Many small island nations will simply cease to exist if we don’t step up the response. The developed countries must deliver on their commitments to provide and mobilize $100 billion annually by:
doubling current levels of climate finance;
devoting half of all climate finance to adaptation;
stopping the international funding of coal; and
shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
The G7 Summit in June offers the opportunity for the world’s wealthiest countries to step up and provide the necessary financial commitments that will ensure the success of COP26.
While governments must lead, decision-makers everywhere have a vital role to play. I ask all multilateral and national development banks, by COP26, to have clear policies in place to fund the COVID recovery and the transition to resilient economies in developing countries, taking into account crippling debt levels and huge pressures on national budgets. Many local governments and private businesses have committed to net zero emissions by 2050, and have engaged in significant reviews of their business models. I urge all to set ambitious targets and policies.
I encourage young people everywhere to continue to raise their voices for action to address climate change, protect biodiversity, stop humanity’s war on nature and accelerate efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Time is running out, and there is much hard work ahead, but this no time to raise the white flag. The United Nations will keep flying our blue flag of solidarity and hope. This Earth Day and over the crucial months ahead, I urge all nations and all people to rise together to this moment.
1 of 5
Press Release
31 July 2021
UNITED NATIONS COMPOUND IN HERAT ATTACKED
The attack targeting entrances of the clearly marked United Nations facility was carried out by Anti-Government Elements.
The area around Herat where the compound is located witnessed fighting today between the Taliban and government forces. The UN is urgently seeking to establish a full picture about the attack and for this purpose is in contact with the relevant parties.
“This attack against the United Nations is deplorable and we condemn it in the strongest terms,” said Deborah Lyons, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. “Our first thoughts are with the family of the officer slain and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
No UN personnel was hurt in the incident, in which entrances were attacked by rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire.
“The perpetrators of this attack must be identified and brought to account,” said Lyons, who is also head of UNAMA.
Attacks against civilian UN personnel and compounds are prohibited under international law, and may amount to war crimes.
The United Nations in Afghanistan is a civilian entity focused on supporting peace efforts, promoting the rights of all Afghans and providing humanitarian and development assistance.
The UN expresses its gratitude to the Afghan Directorate of Protection Services officers who defended the compound from the attackers.
1 of 5
Press Release
14 July 2021
MOUNTING CONCERN ABOUT REPORTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN COMMUNITIES MOST AFFECTED BY MILITARY OFFENSIVE
ABUL, 14 July 2021 – The United Nations in Afghanistan is increasingly concerned with the number of reported serious human rights abuses and violations alleged in communities most affected by the ongoing military offensive across the country.
The reports of killing, ill-treatment, persecution and discrimination are widespread and disturbing, creating fear and insecurity. Those who carry out any such acts must be held accountable.
The UN reiterates that parties are obliged to respect the human rights and dignity of all Afghans, especially those of women and girls who have in the past been subjected to particularly acute forms of discrimination.
The best way to end harm to civilians is for peace talks to be re-invigorated in order for a negotiated settlement to be reached.
Those genuinely interested in the future of Afghanistan and its people, should prioritize negotiating a peace and committing to measures, including safeguarding the country’s infrastructure, that will show a real concern for the welfare of all Afghans.
All parties are urged to announce an Eid ceasefire that can give Afghans a respite from the conflict and that may contribute to sustained and meaningful peace negotiations.
The reports of killing, ill-treatment, persecution and discrimination are widespread and disturbing, creating fear and insecurity. Those who carry out any such acts must be held accountable.
The UN reiterates that parties are obliged to respect the human rights and dignity of all Afghans, especially those of women and girls who have in the past been subjected to particularly acute forms of discrimination.
The best way to end harm to civilians is for peace talks to be re-invigorated in order for a negotiated settlement to be reached.
Those genuinely interested in the future of Afghanistan and its people, should prioritize negotiating a peace and committing to measures, including safeguarding the country’s infrastructure, that will show a real concern for the welfare of all Afghans.
All parties are urged to announce an Eid ceasefire that can give Afghans a respite from the conflict and that may contribute to sustained and meaningful peace negotiations.
1 of 5
Press Release
15 June 2021
Statement on attacks on polio workers - Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, United Nations DSRSG, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator
Health workers in five locations in Nangarhar province were attacked today during the course of their life-saving work. Five were killed, and four were injured in five separate incidents.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives and wish those who are injured a full and swift recovery.
I am appalled by the brutality of these killings. This is not the first time health workers have come under attack. We witnessed the killings of three innocent polio workers during the national polio vaccination campaign in March this year as well. Such senseless violence must stop immediately, and those responsible must be investigated and brought to justice.
The national polio vaccination campaign, which began yesterday, has been suspended in the East region. Polio immunization campaigns are a vital and effective way to reach millions of children to protect them against polio. Depriving children from an assurance of a healthy life is inhumane.
The United Nations strongly condemns all attacks on health workers anywhere. The delivery of health care is impartial and any attack against health workers and those who work to defend them is an attack on the children, whose very lives they are trying to protect.
1 of 5
Press Release
12 June 2021
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
New York, 4 April 2021
Today, on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, we reflect on how far we have come in raising awareness of the dangers posed by landmines, and recommit to our target of a mine-free world.
More than 160 states are party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. I call on those that have not yet acceded to the Convention to do so without delay.
Landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices disproportionally affect the vulnerable, the forcibly displaced, the dispossessed, and children. They impede peaceful solutions, hinder humanitarian responses and are an obstacle to
sustainable, inclusive development.
Unfortunately, we sometimes make progress on clearing mines only to see it rolled back. But we cannot be content simply with advocacy and campaigning to create awareness of the dangers posed by landmines.
The United Nations Charter calls us to complete the work: to survey, clear and destroy these deadly devices. Let’s make this the last decade when we need to devote ourselves to this task.
More than 160 states are party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. I call on those that have not yet acceded to the Convention to do so without delay.
Landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices disproportionally affect the vulnerable, the forcibly displaced, the dispossessed, and children. They impede peaceful solutions, hinder humanitarian responses and are an obstacle to
sustainable, inclusive development.
Unfortunately, we sometimes make progress on clearing mines only to see it rolled back. But we cannot be content simply with advocacy and campaigning to create awareness of the dangers posed by landmines.
The United Nations Charter calls us to complete the work: to survey, clear and destroy these deadly devices. Let’s make this the last decade when we need to devote ourselves to this task.
1 of 5
Press Release
09 March 2021
COVID-19 vaccines shipped by COVAX arrive in Afghanistan
On 08 March 2021, COVAX shipped 468,000 doses of the COVISHIELD vaccine, from the Astra Zeneca Serum Institute of India, in Mumbai. It arrived in the afternoon of Monday March 8, on an Emirates flight, at the Hamid Karzai International Airport. The arrival in Kabul marks a milestone moment. Afghanistan is the first country in central Asia to receive the vaccine via the COVAX – the facility that is set to deliver at least 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021.
In addition to 468,000 doses of vaccines, 470,000 syringes and 4,700 safety boxes were also part of the shipment.
“The arrival of the first COVAX doses today is a major milestone. Gavi looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the people of Afghanistan and partners to ensure the smooth and equitable distribution of vaccines to those most in need. It is going to be challenging, but if we all maintain momentum and keep working together, we will defeat this pandemic,” said Ricard Lacort, Senior Country Manager Afghanistan and Djibouti for Gavi.
Sheema Sen Gupta, UNICEF Afghanistan Representative a.i.. said, “This is a great day for the people of Afghanistan. The imminent roll-out of the COVAX facilitated COVID-19 vaccine means that around 234,000 people, including teachers, will be better protected from the ravages of the COVID-19 virus. UNICEF is especially pleased that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education have included teachers as a priority for this wave of vaccines ahead of back to school on March 21. Together, our priority is to open all schools and get all of Afghanistan’s children back to their classes, their studies, and their friends.”
Dr. David Lai, WHO Officer-In-Charge said, “The COVID-19 vaccine is a huge step forward in our fight against the pandemic. Ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine has been one of WHO’s highest priorities but vaccines only work when they are combined with public health strategies. We did not get here in one day and we won’t get out in one day either but today our hope is renewed. The endgame is clear. However, Afghanistan will need continued support from the international community to ensure the country which is already affected by decades-long conflict and insecurity doesn’t get left behind in the race to end COVID-19.”
“The Ministry of Public Health of the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is further enabled to fight the COVID-19 pandemic by rolling out the vaccine,” said Dr. Wahid Majrooh, Acting Minister of Public Health. “The MoPH appreciates the COVAX facility and the international donors for their continued support. We must accelerate our efforts to ensure that all eligible Afghans are vaccinated and protected from COVID-19, as it is the most important step to put an end to this pandemic.”
For several months, COVAX partners have been supporting governments and partners in readiness efforts, in preparation for this moment. They have been especially active in working with some of the world’s poorest countries: those that will benefit from the Advance Market Commitment (AMC), an innovative financial mechanism to help secure global and equitable access for COVID-19 vaccines. This includes assisting with the development of national vaccination plans, support for cold chain infrastructure, as well as stockpiling of half a billion syringes and safety boxes for their disposal, masks, gloves and other equipment to ensure that there is enough equipment for health workers to start vaccinating priority groups as soon as possible.
In order for doses to be delivered to COVAX Facility participants via this first allocation round, several critical pieces must be in place, including confirmation of national regulatory authorization criteria related to the vaccines delivered, indemnification agreements, national vaccination plans from AMC participants, as well as other logistical factors such as export and import licenses.
As participants fulfil the above criteria and finalize readiness preparations, COVAX will issue purchase orders to the manufacturer and ship and deliver doses via an iterative process. This means deliveries for the first round of allocation will take place on a rolling basis and in tranches.
As vaccines start to roll out around the world, they should complement, and not replace, proven public health measures. It is also important to expand access to rapid diagnostics and treatments, such as oxygen and dexamethasone, as advocated for by the ACT Accelerator. Countries must also continue to apply tried-and-tested measures to successfully prevent and control transmission, such as physical distancing, masks, ventilation and hand hygiene, alongside robust programs to test, trace, isolate and treat.
COVAX has built a diverse portfolio of vaccines suitable for a range of settings and populations, and is on track to meet its goal of delivering at least 2 billion doses of vaccine to participating countries around the globe in 2021, including at least 1.3 billion donor-funded doses to the 92 lower-income COVAX Facility participants supported by the Gavi COVAX AMC.
COVAX, the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the World Health Organization (WHO) – working in partnership with UNICEF as the key implementing partner, as well as civil society organizations, vaccine manufacturers, the World Bank, and others.
Notes to Editors:
Full COVAX News Note to Editors: https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator/covax/covax-news-note-to-editors
List of donor pledges to the Gavi COVAX AMC: https://www.gavi.org/sites/default/files/covid/covax/COVAX-AMC-Donors-Table.pdf
UNICEF COVAX page https://www.unicef.org/supply/covax-ensuring-global-equitable-access-covid-19-vaccines
Media contacts:
Ministry of Public Health, Afghanistan
Dr. Nazary, National EPI Manager
Mobile: +93 (0) 79 722 3009
Email:dastagger_nazary@yahoo.com CEPI Press office Telephone: +44 7387 055214 Email: press@cepi.net
GAVI Meghana Sharafudeen: +41 79 711 55 54 msharafudeen@gavi.org Evan O'Connell +33 6 17 57 21 26 econnell@gavi.org UNICEF Afghanistan Dr. Fazil Ahmad, UNICEF Afghanistan |+93 (0) 799987605 | fahmad@unicef.org Dr. Sanjay Bhardwaj, UNICEF Afghanistan, +93 (0) 799987607, sabhardwaj@unicef.org WHO Afghanistan Ahmadullah Amarkhil, WHO Afghanistan |+93 (0) 70 026 3232 | amarkhila@who.int Bisma Akbar, WHO Afghanistan |+93 (0) 78 220 0354 |akbarb@who.int WHO global +41 22 791 2222 mediainquiries@who.int
Mobile: +93 (0) 79 722 3009
Email:dastagger_nazary@yahoo.com CEPI Press office Telephone: +44 7387 055214 Email: press@cepi.net
GAVI Meghana Sharafudeen: +41 79 711 55 54 msharafudeen@gavi.org Evan O'Connell +33 6 17 57 21 26 econnell@gavi.org UNICEF Afghanistan Dr. Fazil Ahmad, UNICEF Afghanistan |+93 (0) 799987605 | fahmad@unicef.org Dr. Sanjay Bhardwaj, UNICEF Afghanistan, +93 (0) 799987607, sabhardwaj@unicef.org WHO Afghanistan Ahmadullah Amarkhil, WHO Afghanistan |+93 (0) 70 026 3232 | amarkhila@who.int Bisma Akbar, WHO Afghanistan |+93 (0) 78 220 0354 |akbarb@who.int WHO global +41 22 791 2222 mediainquiries@who.int
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 7
1 / 7