WHO stresses Pakistan, Afghanistan to intensify fight against polio

KABUL to step up efforts to minimize the spread of polio, media reports.

A statement released by the WHO cautioned that vaccinations of air travelers in Afghanistan should be tracked. It said that there is “no exit screening and restriction of unvaccinated travelers has been implemented at international airports".

The statement said that the growing risk of its spread associated with the ongoing suspension of vaccination campaigns in Kandahar was major source of concern," the WHO added amid ban on the vaccination drive by militants.

WHO spokeswoman Sona Bari said Pakistan and Afghanistan have reported 29 and seven cases, respectively, so far this year, against 108 and eight at this time in 2014.

The experts, while recognising progress in Pakistan, said that Afghan and Pakistani residents lacking documentation of recent polio vaccination should be restricted.

PAN/Monitor/rm