Afghanistan
Status: affected by wild poliovirus type 1
Status: affected by wild poliovirus type 1
Afghanistan is affected by ongoing endemic wild poliovirus transmission. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is focusing on reaching every last child in Afghanistan with vaccines, strengthening surveillance and maintaining political commitment, financial resources and technical support at all levels.
Polio this week in Afghanistan
- One WPV1 case was reported in Kandahar making it the third case this year. The total number of cases in 2023 remains six.
- Two WPV1-positive environmental samples were reported; one each in Nangarhar and Kabul.
International Health Regulations
Afghanistan is classified by the International Health Regulations (IHR) as a state infected with WPV1 with potential risk of international spread. It is therefore subject to temporary recommendations as of March 2024.
Travel advice
WHO’s International Travel and Health recommends that all travellers to polio-affected areas be fully vaccinated against polio. Residents (and visitors for more than 4 weeks) from infected areas should receive an additional dose of OPV or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) within 4 weeks to 12 months of travel.
