India Extends Healing Hand: 1.1 Lakh Vaccines Donated to Afghanistan

India has once again demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian aid by donating 11,000 vaccine doses to Afghanistan, reinforcing the country’s beleaguered healthcare system and helping to protect vulnerable populations from deadly diseases. The shipment, which arrived in Kabul this week, is a vital lifeline for a nation grappling with widespread health facility closures and a surge in infectious illnesses.

 

Key Highlights

 

•⁠  ⁠Timely Donation: The consignment includes 5,500 doses of influenza vaccine and 5,500 doses of meningitis vaccine, both critical for preventing outbreaks in a country where access to essential medical supplies is limited due to ongoing instability and funding cuts.

 

•⁠  ⁠Official Gratitude: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health expressed deep appreciation for India’s support, highlighting that the vaccines will help save thousands of lives and are a crucial step in controlling the spread of influenza and meningitis.

 

•⁠  ⁠Healthcare Crisis: Over 200 health centers across Afghanistan have recently closed due to a halt in international aid, disrupting services for 1.8 million people in 28 provinces. The WHO warns that up to 80% of its supported health facilities could close by June 2025 if funding gaps persist.

 

•⁠  ⁠Humanitarian Commitment: India’s donation is part of a broader commitment to Afghanistan’s health sector, following previous shipments of medicines, polio and COVID-19 vaccines, and other essential supplies.

 

Outlook

 

India’s latest vaccine donation underscores its role as a reliable partner in Afghanistan’s ongoing health crisis. As international aid dwindles and disease threats rise, such contributions are vital for stabilizing Afghanistan’s healthcare infrastructure and safeguarding its people. The gesture also reinforces the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations and sets a positive precedent for continued regional cooperation in public health.

 

Source: Khaama Press, Ariana News, OmidRadio