What's happened
Pakistan reports a decline in polio cases to 30 since January, down from 74 last year, amid ongoing vaccination campaigns despite security threats. The campaign is synchronized with Afghanistan to prevent cross-border transmission, with significant progress noted in virus containment.
What's behind the headline?
The decline in polio cases indicates progress, but security threats continue to challenge eradication. The deployment of thousands of police to protect vaccination teams underscores persistent militant opposition, which falsely claims the campaigns are Western plots. The synchronization with Afghanistan is a strategic move to address cross-border transmission, but the ongoing violence risks undermining these efforts. The funding shortfall for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, with a 30% cut in 2026, further complicates the path to eradication. Overall, Pakistan's progress is promising but fragile, requiring sustained security and funding support to achieve complete eradication.
What the papers say
AP News highlights the recent decline in polio cases and the security measures in place, emphasizing the progress made despite ongoing threats. The Independent provides additional context on the security challenges and the scale of vaccination efforts across Pakistan. Arab News discusses the funding gaps faced by the global initiative, noting that a significant shortfall could impact future eradication efforts. The contrasting perspectives underscore the complex interplay of health, security, and funding in the fight against polio.
How we got here
Polio remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last two countries where the virus persists. Despite decades of efforts, militant attacks have hindered vaccination campaigns, with over 200 workers killed since the 1990s. Recent campaigns aim to boost immunity and synchronize efforts with Afghanistan to interrupt transmission.
Go deeper
Common question
-
How Has Pakistan Reduced Polio Cases This Year?
Pakistan has made significant progress in its fight against polio, reporting a decline in cases to just 30 since January 2025, down from 74 last year. Despite ongoing security challenges, vaccination campaigns continue to be effective, especially as efforts are synchronized with Afghanistan to prevent cross-border transmission. But how exactly has Pakistan managed to reduce polio cases so significantly? What are the main challenges they face? And what does this mean for global health? Below, we explore these questions and more.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the top headlines shaping the world today. From ongoing conflicts and political developments to social issues and economic shifts, these stories are crucial for understanding the current global landscape. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for you? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions.
More on these topics
-
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment
-
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.