International Development Grant
Polio eradication in Afghanistan
Project Number: CA-3-P007374001
Status: Terminating
Country/Region:
Maximum Contribution: $15,000,000.00
Start Date: April 19, 2021
End Date: December 31, 2024
Duration: 3.7 years
Project Description
This project aims to support the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in their efforts to eradicate the wild poliovirus (WPV) in Afghanistan one of only 2 remaining polio endemic countries (the other is Pakistan). The project seeks to reach 9.9 million children and provide immunity to polio for all Afghans including interrupting the transmission of all wild poliovirus and stopping all circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks. The WHO is responsible for: (1) providing technical assistance and operational support to implementers; (2) training of frontline workers and surveillance staff; (3) collecting and analysing data; and (4) monitoring. UNICEF is responsible for: (1) supplying and distributing polio vaccines along the whole supply chain; (2) implementing vaccination activities; and (3) engaging with communities to improve vaccine acceptance. The 2 organizations work closely together to implement all aspects of the polio vaccination campaign.
Expected Results
The expected outcomes 0f this project include: (1) improving the quality of access to and equitable reach of polio immunization activities in Afghanistan; and (2) improving the surveillance system for poliovirus.
Progress & Results Achieved
Results achieved as of September 2024 include: (1) supplied approximately 14 million doses of the polio vaccine to vaccinate 11.9 million children in June 2024 exceeding the target; (2) effectively implemented strategies of community engagement. This includes the deployment of over 9 000 social mobilizers which are essential for community engagement and for reaching high-risk areas thereby increasing the vaccination coverage among children; (3) reached over 25 million people via social media to raise awareness and promote the benefits of the vaccine; (4) integrated the polio vaccination program with other health services including by distributing 2.2 million bars of soap to promote hygiene and encourage vaccination; and (5) enhanced engagement of women in all aspects of the program including training and deploying 628 female mobilizers and vaccinators to conduct health education sessions at 392 health facilities in high-risk polio provinces.
Key Information
Executing Agency:
WHO - World Health Organization
Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada
Program:
OGM Indo-Pacific
Last Modified:
September 19, 2025
Development Classifications
DAC Sector:
Aid Type: Contributions to specific-purpose programmes and funds managed by implementing partners
Collaboration: Bilateral
Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation
Selection Mechanism:
Institutional Support