Four New Polio Cases Reported in Afghanistan, Bringing Total to 23

The World Health Organization has reported four new polio cases in Afghanistan, saying the latest infections bring the total number of human cases in the country this year to 23.

According to the agency’s latest report, the new cases were recorded in the provinces of Helmand, Kunar, Nuristan and Farah. It also said that 76 environmental polio samples have been identified in Afghanistan so far.

Afghanistan currently has the highest number of polio cases in the world. It is followed by Pakistan, where three human cases and 127 environmental samples have been recorded this year.

The World Health Organization added that in 2025, a total of 52 polio cases were confirmed in Afghanistan and Pakistan, of which 21 were recorded in Afghanistan and 31 in Pakistan.

Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries in the world where polio has not been eradicated. Movement across the borders of the two countries, particularly in the wake of the expulsion of migrants from Pakistan, has raised concerns about the spread of the virus.