39 Wild Polio Cases Reported in Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2025
New reports indicate that 39 cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) have been confirmed in Afghanistan and Pakistan so far in 2025. According to these statistics, 9 cases were identified in Afghanistan and 30 cases in Pakistan.
Environmental sampling results also indicate ongoing virus circulation in the region, with a total of 672 positive environmental samples recorded. Of these, 64 samples were detected in Afghanistan and 608 in Pakistan. These samples are typically collected from sewage and similar sources and serve as a critical indicator for measuring the spread of polio.
Available data shows that no new vaccine-derived polio cases have been reported to date. However, the continued detection of positive cases has heightened concerns about limited access to healthcare services and obstacles to implementing vaccination programs.
Health experts have repeatedly emphasized that in Afghanistan, restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration on the activities of health organizations and vaccination teams could seriously hinder the complete eradication of polio. This issue calls for immediate attention and effective cooperation to protect children’s health.
