Afghanistan Free Polio has urged parents and caregivers to vaccinate their children against polio, warning of the continued need for vaccination efforts as the country marks World Polio Day on October 24.

In a message issued on Saturday, the organization called on families to ensure their children receive polio vaccines, stressing that every child has the right to grow up free from the disease.

The organization also emphasized the role of families and communities in preventing the spread of the virus and achieving a polio-free Afghanistan.

According to a previous report by the World Health Organization (WHO), six new polio cases had been recorded in Afghanistan, bringing the total number of cases reported since the beginning of 2026 to 42.

Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries where polio has not been eradicated.

World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24 to raise awareness and strengthen global efforts to eliminate the disease.

Health authorities and public health organizations continue to stress that vaccination and community participation are essential to protecting children and preventing further transmission of the virus.

Uzbekistan’s Agency for the Development of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry has held talks with UNICEF representatives and local pharmaceutical companies on expanding cooperation and opportunities to supply medicines to Afghanistan.

The meeting was attended by Agency Director Abdulla Azizov, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan Tajudeen Oyewale, and UNICEF Deputy Representative in Uzbekistan Geoffrey Ijumba.

According to Uzbekistan’s National News Agency, discussions focused on expanding access to international procurement platforms for Uzbek-made medicines, ensuring compliance with international quality standards, and improving transparency in pharmaceutical procurement and tender procedures.

The participants also explored mechanisms for bilateral agreements and potential medicine supplies to Afghanistan.

During the visit, the delegation toured BioPharma City, a pharmaceutical cluster under construction in the Tashkent region, and the Pharmaceutical Technical University. They were briefed on projects aimed at expanding domestic pharmaceutical production and training qualified specialists.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for greater attention to mental health care in Afghanistan, warning that many Afghans are experiencing psychological distress due to the loss of loved ones and the challenges of daily life.

Dr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador, the WHO representative in Afghanistan, made the remarks on Saturday, October 10, marking World Mental Health Day. He emphasized that mental health deserves the same level of attention as physical health and urged people experiencing psychological difficulties to seek support and recognize that they are not alone.

Salvador said that listening with empathy and without judgment, supporting one another and speaking openly about mental health issues can help build stronger families and healthier communities.

Highlighting this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Mental health in humanitarian emergencies,” he stressed the importance of listening to people’s personal experiences and ensuring their concerns and needs are heard.

He also called on Afghans to show greater compassion, support those facing emotional and psychological challenges, and strengthen community solidarity so that no one is left without care or assistance.

World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health challenges, reduce stigma and encourage access to appropriate care and support.