Image Credits - Ariana News
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 11 new cases of polio in Afghanistan over the past eight months. This resurgence highlights the ongoing challenges in eradicating the disease in the region.
Polio, a debilitating viral infection that can cause paralysis, remains a significant public health concern in Afghanistan. The new cases were identified in areas where vaccination coverage has been historically low, underlining persistent gaps in immunization efforts. The WHO’s report indicates that these cases emerged primarily in regions with limited access to health services, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and instability.
The recent cases represent a setback in the global fight against polio, which has seen substantial progress over the past decades. Afghanistan, along with Pakistan, remains one of the last two countries where wild poliovirus transmission has not been completely eliminated. The virus has shown a capacity to spread rapidly in areas where vaccination campaigns face obstacles.
Efforts to combat polio in Afghanistan have been met with numerous challenges, including security issues that restrict the movement of health workers and hinder vaccination campaigns. Additionally, misinformation and local resistance have contributed to lower vaccination rates, leaving communities vulnerable to the disease.
In response to the new cases, the WHO and its partners are intensifying their efforts to reach underserved populations with vaccines and to improve surveillance and response mechanisms. The organization emphasizes the critical need for continued support and resources to achieve complete eradication of polio.