Polio resurgence in Pakistan, Nigeria, and Chad amid persistent challenges
Content Editor Dr. Anubhav
January 4, 2025 at 11:20:56 PM
Polio, International health, infectious diseases, disease eradication

Pakistan reported three new wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases, all from Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bringing its 2024 total to 48. These cases, with onset in October, reflect a sharp rise this year.
In Nigeria, seven more circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases were reported, raising the country’s total for 2024 to 80. The new cases span five states, including Katsina, Jigawa, and Yobe.
Chad confirmed two new cVDPV2 cases, bringing its total to 15 for the year.
Contributing to the rise in cases are forced repatriations, particularly of around 730,000 Afghan refugees, as well as vaccine hesitancy, militant opposition, and attacks on vaccination teams in conflict zones. These challenges, including unpredictable population movements and barriers in reaching high-risk areas, continue to hinder polio eradication efforts in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and neighboring regions.
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