WHO Reports Two New Polio Cases in Afghanistan

The World Health Organization has identified two additional cases of polio in Afghanistan this year. The new infections were detected in the Nari district of Kunar province and the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province.

Symptoms in the Kunar case began on April 14, while those in the Helmand case started on May 7. One case in Kunar province was uncovered through contact tracing after an earlier test returned negative results.

With these confirmations, the total number of polio cases in Afghanistan for 2026 now stands at six. Environmental surveillance has also detected the virus in 34 samples collected across the country, highlighting ongoing transmission risks.

Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to be the only nations where wild poliovirus remains endemic. In Pakistan, three cases have been reported in 2026, compared to Afghanistan's six. Last year, Afghanistan recorded 21 cases and Pakistan 31 cases. Positive environmental samples last year totaled 94 in Afghanistan and 651 in Pakistan.

Health authorities have noted difficulties in vaccination campaigns due to a transition toward center-based approaches conducted in mosques and schools rather than door-to-door efforts. This change has complicated reaching all children in affected areas for immunization.