List Of Countries Still Battling Polio: Know When India Reported Its Last Case | World Polio Day

Countries With Polio:  Most countries, across the globe, have achieved impressive successes in eradicating polio, but the battle is not yet fully conquered. Few countries are still battling through this life-threatening disease, mainly due to issues like a lack of quality healthcare system, infrastructure, poverty and much more. It is also important to note that India has become a polio-free nation, but a few countries, especially in South Asia and Africa, continue to live under the risk of this wild poliovirus. Here is a list of countries that are battling through Polio, along with India’s position in this global battle, according to the World Population Review report.

List Of Countries Still Battling Polio:

Today, polio is regarded as endemic because it has been eliminated from most countries and is endemic in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Number of Wild Poliovirus Cases in Endemic Countries 2016-2022

Source: World Population Review

Countries That Continue to Struggle with Polio

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is one of the remaining two nations where polio remains endemic, and there is continued transmission of the wild poliovirus despite widespread international campaigns. In 2016, the country recorded 13 wild poliovirus cases, and the numbers fluctuated over the years, peaking at 56 in 2020 before dropping sharply to just 1 case by 2022.

Pakistan

Pakistan is also considered polio-endemic and has experienced irregular increases in poliovirus cases, usually linked to the instability of the region and vaccine hesitancy. Pakistan had registered 20 cases in 2016, after which there was a high rise in the number of Polio cases in 2019, which is 147 cases.

Nigeria

Nigeria, previously a member of the polio-endemic nations, became a poliovirus-free country in 2016, after significant vaccination efforts.

Sudan

Sudan, which has not been significantly impacted by the wild poliovirus in recent years, has strengthened its health infrastructure. Here, the last Polio case registered was in 2004.

Chad

Chad is also in an ongoing battle with poliovirus. Similar to other African countries, Chad remains vigilant about preventing outbreaks, particularly from vaccine-derived polio virus strains, which are still a cause of concern in most regions of Africa.

Cameroon

Cameroon is also prioritising high vaccination across the nation. The nation registered 7 cases of AFP (main symptom of a poliomyelitis infection) in 2020 and 3 in 2021. The ongoing battle needs more significant eradication efforts.

Angola

As per the Polioeradication.org, Angola is still battling through an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus. The nation has been at risk due to its location proximity to other polio-prone nations.

DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo, with its huge geography and recurring health issues, stays vigilant even though there have been no cases of poliovirus reported since 2000.

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United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is not polio-endemic and has recorded no wild poliovirus cases since 1992. However, the country has been a leading supporter of polio immunisation campaigns, particularly due to the persistent threat of the virus in neighbouring regions.

List Of Countries That Most Recently Registered Their Last Polio Case:

India’s Ranking On The List Of Countries Still Battling Polio:

India is not among the nations that are still fighting wild poliovirus and has been polio-free for more than a decade, with the last poliovirus case detected in 2011. India has impressive and significant efforts in eradicating polio.

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At last, the world is collaboratively and successfully eradicating polio across the globe. Additionally, India's success is inspiring. However, India’s neighbouring countries like Pakistan, along with Afghanistan still battling with the disease. The global support, strong health infrastructure, and continued vaccination can prove to be a great help for these nations. To completely eradicate this endemic from the earth, efforts led by vigilance, proper resources, and education are the need of the hour.