Afghanistan reports 6 wild poliovius cases in past week
Afghanistan reported six new cases of wild poliovirus-1 in the past week, bringing the total for the year to 42. Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the primary defense against the disease.
Why it matters
The persistence of polio in endemic regions like Afghanistan poses a significant global public health challenge.
Global health officials reported six new wild poliovirus-1 (WPV1) positive cases in Afghanistan this past week. The new WPV1 cases are from: 3 from Kandahar province (all from Kandahar district), 2 from Nangarhar province (1 each from Batikot and Goshta districts), and 1 from Kabul province (Musayi district) with dates of onset between 25 August to 9 September 2026, noting that the WPV1 index positive case from Kabul province was identified by a positive contact.
Polio with WHO spokesperson, Oliver Rosenbauer
This brings the total WPV1 cases in Afghanistan this year to 42.
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