WHO Highlights Key Moment to Eradicate Polio in Pakistan

Jul 27, 2026

62 min

Jul 27, 2026 13:31

## Historic Opportunity

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a crucial moment for Pakistan to eliminate polio, as the country reports only three cases in 2026. This marks a significant reduction in polio incidence, with the virus now largely confined to southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

## Intensified Efforts

A high-level international delegation, including WHO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy, visited Pakistan to assess progress and support the government's eradication efforts. They emphasized the importance of maintaining and increasing vaccination campaigns and surveillance over the next six to twelve months.

## Government Commitment

Dr. Balkhy praised the Pakistani government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for its comprehensive approach to the eradication campaign. She highlighted the critical role of political commitment and the dedication of frontline health workers in achieving this goal.

## Regional Cooperation

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two countries where wild poliovirus remains endemic. The WHO stresses the need for cross-border collaboration to stop virus transmission, as both nations form a single epidemiological block.

## Surveillance Network

Pakistan's polio eradication efforts are supported by an extensive surveillance network, including over 12,500 acute flaccid paralysis reporting sites and 127 environmental monitoring sites. This infrastructure is crucial for tracking and responding to polio cases effectively.

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