The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported six new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 in Afghanistan.
In a statement, the organization said the new cases bring the country’s total for 2026 to 42.
According to the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office’s latest weekly polio report, three of the new cases were identified in Kandahar, two in Nangarhar and one in Kabul.
The report says the cases were recorded in Kandahar, Batikot and Goshta districts in Nangarhar, and Musayi district in Kabul.
WHO said the dates of onset for the six cases were reported between August 25 and September 9, 2026.
Afghanistan recorded 21 cases of wild poliovirus in 2025. So far this year, the number of cases has reached 42.
Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects children and can cause permanent paralysis. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease.
Since the beginning of this year, 76 environmental samples positive for poliovirus have been detected in Afghanistan and 129 in Pakistan.
Positive environmental samples indicate that the virus is circulating in the community, even if not everyone infected develops symptoms.
A total of 52 polio cases were reported last year: 21 in Afghanistan and 31 in Pakistan.
International organizations have reported that restrictions on vaccination campaigns are one of the key factors increasing the risk of polio outbreaks in Afghanistan.
