Afghanistan’s First Polio Diagnostic Laboratory Inaugurated

KABUL, Feb. 08 –  In a momentous event, Afghanistan celebrated the inauguration of its first polio diagnostic laboratory.

The ceremony, graced by esteemed attendees, included the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Qalandar Ebad, Mr. Maulvi Muhammad Ishaq Sahibzada, the Deputy Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Hamid Jafari, the Head of the National Polio Eradication Emergency Operation Center, and representatives from the Bill Gates Foundation and the World Health Organization (WHO).

During the opening ceremony, Minister of Public Health Dr. Qalandar Ebad emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “This marks the first-ever polio diagnosis laboratory established in Afghanistan, playing a crucial role in early and accurate detection of the disease.” He further underscored the commitment of the Ministry of Public Health in eradicating polio, highlighting their goal to eliminate polio from Afghanistan by 2024.

Dr. Ebad also highlighted the notable advancements in Afghanistan’s healthcare sector, particularly in primary, secondary, and intermediate health services, since the establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. He mentioned a decline in polio cases and emphasized the Ministry’s relentless efforts in this regard.

Furthermore, Dr. Ebad emphasized the significance of the laboratory’s diagnostic capabilities, enabling informed decision-making and further improvements in the polio eradication program.

Dr. Hamid Jafari, the head of WHO’s polio division for the Eastern Mediterranean region, hailed the opening of the laboratory as a remarkable achievement in the field of polio diagnosis and elimination. He expressed confidence in future collaborations with Afghanistan’s health sector.

Dr. Ahmad Nasir Hanafi, the head of the central diagnostic laboratories at the Ministry of Public Health, acknowledged the cooperative efforts of the Ministry’s leadership and international partners, including the Bill Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization, and the International Network of Polio Laboratories, in establishing this vital polio diagnostic facility.