Polio Outbreak in Afghanistan Continues Amid Insecurity

Health officials in Afghanistan have confirmed a new case of poliovirus in the southern province of Uruzgan, bringing the country's total number of infections in 2025 to nine. The latest case was detected in an eight-month-old girl after medical teams visited the area and verified laboratory results. As security concerns persist, vaccination efforts remain hindered, leaving thousands of children at risk. Experts warn that continued conflict and limited access to remote areas are major obstacles to eradicating the disease.

Key Takeaways:

• A new polio case has been confirmed in Uruzgan province, bringing Afghanistan's total number of infections in 2025 to nine.
• The latest case was detected in an eight-month-old girl after medical teams verified laboratory results.
• Health data show that cases have been reported in Uruzgan (1), Helmand (3), Badghis (1), Nuristan (1), Paktika (2), and Farah (1) provinces this year.
• Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where wild poliovirus has not been eradicated, according to the World Health Organization.
• Pakistan has confirmed 38 polio cases so far in 2025.
• Ongoing conflict, cross-border movement, and limited access to remote areas hinder vaccination campaigns.
• Public health officials urge strengthened coordination in cross-border immunization efforts between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• Experts stress that sustained cooperation is required for complete eradication of polio.

Statistics:

• Afghanistan has reported 9 polio cases in 2025, with Uruzgan having 1 case, Helmand 3, Badghis 1, Nuristan 1, Paktika 2, and Farah 1.
• Pakistan has confirmed 38 polio cases in 2025.
• Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries where wild polio virus has not been eradicated, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Polio vaccination efforts are hindered by ongoing conflict, cross-border movement, and limited access to remote areas.

Sources:

• Health officials in Afghanistan
• World Health Organization
• Local health authorities in Uruzgan province
• Saeedullah Mohajer, a member of Uruzgan's vaccination program