Cash-strapped Afghanistan appears to have fared better than neighboring Pakistan in its fight against polio. According to a Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) report published by Pakistani news agency Dawn, only 25 polio cases were reported in Afghanistan last year, while 68 were detected in Pakistan.
The situation in Pakistan remains dire, with reports that several polio samples from the previous year have yet to be processed.
The poliovirus affected 83 districts in Pakistan, but Afghanistan was able to limit the spread of the virus to just 11 provinces.
Experts in Pakistan’s polio program reportedly claim that cases in Afghanistan are being underreported.
However, considering such a scenario does not absolve Pakistan of its guilt, as the virus continues to spread despite stricter reporting regimes.
Pakistan has been working to eradicate polio since 1994. However, the polio program has faced several setbacks.
Domestic terrorist activities are also an obstacle. Political instability and geographical inaccessibility add to the challenges. Due to all these factors, not all children in Pakistan are vaccinated against polio.
Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a new team to lead the fight against polio.
