WHO blames Pakistan, Afghanistan for ongoing global polio threat

GENEVA: ‘Pakistan and Afghanistan remain responsible for the international spread of the polio virus’, said a statement by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The organisation also said that both countries need enhanced bilateral cooperation to combat the disease.

Polio vaccination remains mandatory for individuals traveling abroad from Pakistan. WHO also announced that it will review Pakistan’s anti-polio efforts after three months. Pakistan’s polio surveillance will continue during this period.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, two new polio cases were confirmed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and one in Sindh, according to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). These new cases emerged from North Waziristan, Lakki Marwat and Umerkot, taking the tally of polio cases in the country to 17.

Polio is a highly infectious and incurable disease that can only be prevented with repeated anti-polio vaccination, administered to children until the age of five years. Vaccination remains a challenge for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite repeated anti-polio drives by the government. Geographical, social and security concerns are some of the hurdles in 100 per cent coverage of these campaigns.

Also read: Three new polio cases brings Pakistan’s total tally to 17