Afghanistan

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

  • No WPV1 cases were reported this week. The total number of cases in 2023 remains six.
  • No WPV1-positive environmental samples were reported this week.

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 December 2023.

 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.

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