India has delivered 20 tons of critical dry materials for BCG and Tetanus & Diphtheria (Td) vaccines to Kabul in a fresh humanitarian assistance initiative aimed at strengthening Afghanistan’s child immunisation programme.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the supplies were handed over to Afghan authorities to support vaccination efforts targeting children and vulnerable populations across the country. India also confirmed that additional consignments are already underway as part of its continuing health-sector assistance to Afghanistan.

“India delivers 20 tons of critical dry materials for BCG, and Tetanus & Diphtheria (Td) vaccines to Kabul, to augment Afghanistan’s Child Immunisation Programme. More consignments are underway. India is committed to support the friendly people of Afghanistan in health sector,” the MEA said in a statement on Thursday.

The latest shipment comes at a time when Afghanistan continues to face severe healthcare challenges, including shortages of medicines, vaccines and medical infrastructure following years of conflict, economic instability and international funding constraints. International health agencies have repeatedly warned that Afghan children remain vulnerable to preventable diseases due to declining immunisation coverage.

BCG vaccines are primarily administered to protect against tuberculosis, while Td vaccines help prevent tetanus and diphtheria, two potentially fatal infectious diseases. Health experts say maintaining uninterrupted vaccine supplies is critical for reducing child mortality and preventing disease outbreaks.

India has continued humanitarian engagement with Afghanistan even after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Over the past few years, New Delhi has sent multiple aid consignments, including wheat, medicines, vaccines, earthquake relief supplies and medical equipment. India has also supported Afghan hospitals and healthcare institutions through humanitarian channels.

Officials familiar with the assistance programme said the latest delivery reflects India’s broader regional outreach policy focused on humanitarian support rather than political recognition of the Taliban administration.

The aid also comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where the United Nations estimates millions of people, particularly women and children, remain dependent on external assistance for healthcare and nutrition support.

India has repeatedly stated that its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan is aimed at supporting ordinary Afghan citizens and ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services.

HumanitarianAid | Business Upturn

India sends 20 tons of vaccine support materials to Kabul amid Afghanistan health crisis