WHO Reports 21 Polio Cases in Afghanistan in 2025

Dr. Khushhal Zaman is the representative of the World Health Organization in Afghanistan. He has come forward with new figures on polio in the country. According to him, 21 polio cases were registered in Afghanistan in 2025. This is the information provided by the WHO official during his recent comments.

In the same set of remarks, Dr. Zaman mentioned the combined numbers for the two neighboring countries. He said that 56 people were infected with polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan last year. These figures show the situation in the region as a whole.

The WHO representative took the time to underscore the need for joint and sustained efforts to eradicate the disease. Dr. Zaman stressed that these efforts have to be maintained without interruption.

Additionally, Dr. Zaman stressed prioritizing national and regional action. This action is especially important in certain parts of the country. The southern and southwestern areas are the ones that need the most attention according to the official.

The reason for this focus is that many children in the southern and southwestern areas of Afghanistan are still deprived of the polio vaccination. This is a situation that Dr. Zaman highlighted in his statement.

To deal with this challenge, the WHO representative called for strengthened region-based vaccination campaigns. These campaigns should be designed to meet the needs of each specific region.

In the end, Dr. Khushhal Zaman reaffirmed the World Health Organization's ongoing support for efforts to eradicate polio in Afghanistan and the region.