Polio Fight: Last Two Countries Battle Wild Virus, New Threats Emerge
Wild poliovirus now exists only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The World Health Organization reports 38 global cases by late October 2025. This is down from 62 cases the previous year.
However, progress remains fragile. Environmental samples still detect the virus silently spreading in both countries. The fight is concentrated in specific regions.
Endemic Hotspots: Southern Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Key Areas
In Afghanistan, the virus persists in southern reservoirs. Vaccination teams use site-to-site and house-to-house approaches. They aim to reach every missed child.
Pakistan is implementing a national emergency action plan. High-level commitment has improved performance. Yet, challenges remain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Quetta, and Karachi.
Both countries target migrants and mobile groups. They are strengthening coordination along virus corridors. The 2026 plan prioritizes the low-transmission season to interrupt spread.
Vaccine-Derived Outbreaks and Global Funding Gaps
A related challenge is circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). There were 151 cVDPV cases across 13 countries by late October 2025. These outbreaks occur in areas with weak routine immunization.
Northern Nigeria, the Horn of Africa, and Yemen are key zones. New environmental detections in Europe show the risk of international spread.
Humanitarian crises strain health services globally. Funding is also a major constraint. The polio eradication strategy faces a $2.2 billion shortfall. Sustained commitment is essential for a polio-free world.
