The World Health Organization (WHO) says 15 cases of poliovirus have been confirmed in Afghanistan since the beginning of 2026, the highest number reported by any country this year.
In a report released on August 4, the WHO said 18 polio cases have been confirmed globally in 2026, including 15 in Afghanistan and three in Pakistan.
According to the report, no new polio cases were reported during the past week. However, 53 positive environmental samples of the virus have been detected in Afghanistan since the start of the year.
The WHO added that 52 polio cases were confirmed in 2025, including 21 in Afghanistan and 31 in Pakistan.
Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries in the world where polio has not yet been eradicated.
