The immunization drive will have to take place amid relentless violence in the country despite the government and the Taliban insurgents opening peace talks in September. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Reuters that the group would “support and facilitate” the vaccination drive conducted via health centers. Officials believe the insurgents would not target vaccine teams as they would not be going door-to-door. Announcing the funding, an Afghan health official said the programme would cover the 20 percent of the country’s 38 million population. It aims to deliver at least two billion vaccine doses by the end of 2021 to cover 20 percent of the most vulnerable people in 91 poor and middle-income countries.

Source: Egypt Independent January 27, 2021 06:00 UTC