TALIBANs have come to save the Afghani people - Big drop in vaccinations in Afghanistan - Unicef

Covid vaccination rates in Afghanistan have dropped by 80% in the first week following the Taliban’s takeover, UN agency Unicef has said.

A spokesperson also told Reuters that nearly two million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine - about half of the amount delivered to the country so far - were close to expiry.

In the week starting 15 August, 30,500 people were vaccinated in Afghanistan, according to Unicef figures, compared with 134,600 people the previous week.

"The drop is understandable, as in situations of chaos, conflict and emergency, people will prioritize their safety and security first," the spokesperson said.

WHO data shows that 1.2 million doses have been administered as of 20 August in Afghanistan, which has a population of 40 million.