Over three years, OPHCD strengthened routine immunisation for children in nine districts of Helmand and
Uruzgan — two provinces with persistently low vaccination coverage and recurring polio transmission — while
integrating the prevention and treatment of malnutrition into every point of contact with mothers and
children.
About this project
Routine immunisation is one of the most cost-effective child-survival interventions, yet coverage in the
southern provinces of Afghanistan remains among the lowest in the country. This project strengthens the
delivery of routine vaccines — including oral polio vaccine — through integrated primary health care,
outreach and mobile sessions, while pairing immunisation with nutrition screening and treatment so that
every contact with a child is used to its full potential.
Where we worked
The project covered 9 districts across Helmand, Uruzgan: Lashkargah, Marjah, Musa Qala, Nahr-e-Saraj,
Garm Sir, Uruzgan-e-Khas, Deh Rawud, Shahid-e-Hassas, Chora.
What we did
Fixed, outreach and mobile immunisation sessions in high-risk and hard-to-reach communities
Defaulter tracing and catch-up vaccination for zero-dose and under-immunised children
Cold-chain maintenance and vaccine supply management
Community mobilisation through religious leaders, elders and CHWs to address vaccine hesitancy
Integrated nutrition screening, treatment and referral at every immunisation contact
Training and supervision of vaccinators and health facility staff
Partners
Funded by Action Against Hunger (AAH) — [CONFIRM expansion] and implemented by OPHCD in
coordination with the Ministry of Public Health / provincial health directorate.