Polio Cases in Afghanistan Rise to Six in 2026, WHO Reports
The World Health Organization has announced that with the identification of two new polio cases in Afghanistan, the total confirmed cases of the disease in 2026 have increased to six.
According to the organization’s report, one of the new cases was recorded in Nari district of Kunar province, and the other in Nahre Saraj district of Helmand province. Additionally, 34 positive environmental samples for polio have been detected this year in various regions of the country, indicating continued virus circulation in some areas.
The WHO also noted that in 2025, a total of 52 cases of wild poliovirus type 1 were registered in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Of these, 21 cases were reported in Afghanistan and 31 in Pakistan.
Based on the provided statistics, so far in 2026, nine cases of wild poliovirus type 1 have been recorded between the two countries, with six in Afghanistan and three in Pakistan.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects children under five years old and can cause permanent paralysis. Health organizations consistently emphasize the continuation of vaccination campaigns across all areas, particularly in remote and unsafe regions; a matter that requires effective management and serious cooperation from the Taliban administration to ensure full access for health teams to all districts.
