The Global Polio Eradication Initiative reports that health ministers from countries around the world expressed concern over the rise of childhood polio cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan during the Executive Board meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. Serious actions are being taken in response to this issue.
An alliance known as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative announced on Friday, February 8, that the WHO Executive Board meeting was held in Geneva, Switzerland, where there was an emphasis on strengthening surveillance activities not only in high-risk areas but also in other regions, including borders.
Dr. Hanan Balkhi, head of the regional office of the World Health Organization, stated at the meeting: “On behalf of our region and the leaders of both countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan), I assure you that our commitment to eradicating this virus is stronger than ever.”
He emphasized, “We must reach every child and vaccinate them. We also need to continue searching for the polio virus to prevent its further spread. Achieving this goal is not simple.”
In part of his remarks, he added that Afghanistan and Pakistan face significant geopolitical, infrastructural, environmental, and security challenges that have led to an increase in childhood polio cases.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s statement also mentioned that WHO member countries at the Geneva meeting called for a stronger response to eradicate this disease, including maximizing polio vaccination efforts.
Health officials from various countries at the meeting stressed the importance of implementing more activities in this regard and highlighted the necessity of establishing strong, resilient, and equitable health systems.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in the world where the polio virus is still circulating and continues to claim the lives of children.
In 2024, Pakistan reported 73 cases and Afghanistan reported 25 cases of polio.
While Afghanistan has not reported any additional polio cases so far, Pakistani officials reported the first positive polio case in 2025 last week.
