Polio in 2023: Where is it Still a Threat?

While polio has been largely eradicated globally due to widespread vaccination efforts, there are still a few countries where the disease remains endemic. As of 2023, polio is still a threat in the following countries:

- Afghanistan

- Pakistan

These countries have ongoing transmission of the wild poliovirus, which is the most dangerous form of the virus and can cause paralysis and even death. However, thanks to immunization programs and international collaboration, the number of cases has declined significantly in recent years.

In other parts of the world, polio has been eliminated through successful vaccination campaigns. The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified the eradication of wild poliovirus in the Americas (1994), the Western Pacific (2000), the European region (2002), and Southeast Asia (2014).

It's important to maintain high vaccination rates to prevent the re-emergence of polio and protect vulnerable populations. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease, and it should be a priority for individuals traveling to or living in areas where polio is still a risk.