Polio cases double in Afghanistan as Pakistan reports sharp fall

On World Polio Day, wild polio remains entrenched only in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Afghanistan has reported 42 cases in 2026, double last year's 21, while Pakistan's tally fell to six from 31. Together, the two countries have recorded 48 cases so far this year. The virus is still being detected in environmental samples, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative says political commitment matters more than ever.