UN calls for polio ceasefire extension

The United Nations Coordinator for Afghanistan in Islamabad on Friday called for both parties to the conflict to continue a ceasefire up to 17 October so that every child can be protected from polio. According to the statement, although there had been reported ceasefire violations in Takhar and other areas, the autumn round of National Immunisation Days (NIDS) for polio eradication was successfully implemented in six regions of Afghanistan - North, South, East, West, Central, and Southeast. In Badakhstan and Takhar, the ceasefire allowed movement of staff and supplies for the campaign. However, due to logistical delays, immunisation was now scheduled from 14-16 October. Under the leadership of WHO, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Public Health, NIDS in Afghanistan requires complex logistics, tight coordination and participation nationwide of local authorities, UN agencies, and NGOs. Tens of thousands of staff and volunteers contributed their time all over Afghanistan, including the most remote and hard-to-reach areas, the statement said.