POLIO vaccinations have been suspended in Afghanistan by the Taliban, the United Nations has said.

Afghanistan is one of two countries where the spread of the potentially fatal, paralysing disease has never been stopped.

The other is Pakistan.

News of the suspension was relayed to UN agencies right before an immunisation campaign was due to start.

An explanation has not been given for the suspension, and no-one from the Taliban-controlled government was available for comment.

A top official from the World Health Organisation (WHO) said it was aware of discussions to move away from house-to-house vaccinations and instead have immunisations in places like mosques.

The WHO has confirmed 18 polio cases in Afghanistan this year — six more than recorded in 2023.

Dr Hamid Jafari from the WHO said: “Partners are in the process of discussing and understanding the scope and impact of any change in current policy.”