Health officials in Helmand say that seven positive cases of polio have been recorded in the province in 2026, stressing the need for increased cooperation to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Helmand Governor Amanuddin Mansour on Tuesday met with Dr. Abdul Qudus Breyali, head of the General Operations Center for Polio Eradication in Afghanistan, and a number of health officials. During the meeting, he emphasized greater coordination to prevent the disease and increase vaccination coverage.
Dr. Naqibullah Fateh, head of Helmand Public Health Directorate, said that 25 positive polio cases have been recorded across Afghanistan so far this year, seven of them in Helmand.
According to the polio program official in Helmand, the cases were recorded in Nad Ali, Washir, Musa Qala, Nahr-e Saraj, Disho districts and Lashkar Gah city. Two cases were recorded in Musa Qala, while one case was reported in each of the other areas.
Health officials also say that 16 environmental samples have so far been reported in Helmand. These samples are used to monitor and detect the polio virus.
A new round of polio vaccination is scheduled to begin in Helmand next Tuesday. Officials have called on families and local institutions to cooperate for the successful implementation of the campaign and ensure that all children are vaccinated.
The Helmand governor also pledged that the provincial authorities would provide the necessary cooperation with central and district-level officials to support the vaccination campaign and prevent the spread of polio.
Polio is a contagious viral disease that primarily threatens children and can cause permanent paralysis. Complete vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease.
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