WHO Extends Polio Travel Restrictions on Pakistan Amid Concerns

The World Health Organization extended travel restrictions on Pakistan for three months due to concerns about wild poliovirus type 1. The decision follows a virtual meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee for Polio, highlighting persistent virus transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and emphasizing the need for continued joint vaccination efforts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prolonged international travel restrictions on Pakistan for another three months, ARY News reported. This decision came after the 42nd meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee for Polio on June 18, citing persistent issues with wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) transmission.

Concerns were raised regarding WPV1 spread in Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly through cross-border movements. The virus remains prevalent in areas like southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Quetta Block, Karachi, and Peshawar, with a noted increase in polio-positive sewage samples, according to ARY News.

Despite facing challenges, including a new polio case in Gilgit-Baltistan and missed vaccinations, WHO praised Pakistan's vaccination campaigns and called for enhanced cooperation with Afghanistan. The WHO plans a review at the end of the three-month extension, requiring vaccinations for all outbound travelers.

(With inputs from agencies.)