The World Health Organization (WHO) has held Pakistan and Afghanistan responsible for the global spread of the polio virus.
According to details, the 42nd meeting of the WHO’s Emergency Committee on Polio was held via video link on June 18, in which officials from polio-affected countries participated.
In the official statement, the WHO noted that the meeting discussed in detail the global spread of Wild Polio Virus 1 (WPV1), with a special focus on the ongoing risks in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The WHO emphasized that Pakistan and Afghanistan should continue bilateral cooperation in polio eradication efforts.
The statement further mentioned that the WHO will review Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts again after three months.
Expressing concern over the continued spread of the polio virus in Pakistan, the WHO stated that polio vaccination will be mandatory for those traveling abroad from Pakistan.
It added that Pakistan’s polio surveillance will continue for another three months, and strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan in polio eradication is essential.
