24 July 2012 – The Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan hosted the annual polio cross-border coordination meeting between Afghanistan and Pakistan from 24 to 25 July.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are among the remaining endemic countries where circulation of poliovirus, though localized, still continues. Stopping poliovirus circulation in these countries requires close coordination and synchronization of vaccination activities, particularly in areas along the borders on both sides. As of 15 July 2012, a total of 13 confirmed polio cases had been reported in Afghanistan and 25 in Pakistan. Most of these cases were reported from neighbouring provinces of both countries.
In May 2012 the World Health Assembly declared the completion of polio eradication a national public health emergency. In response, both countries prepared national emergency action plans to stop poliovirus transmission with more aggressive, focused and measureable approaches.
