
WHO Extends Travel Restrictions on Pakistan as Polio Concerns Rise in Virus Spread
The World Health Organization (WHO) has extended international travel restrictions on Pakistan for another three months due to the ongoing threat of polio particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan. Despite notable progress in Pakistan anti-polio efforts the virus continues to spread raising global alarm over its potential resurgence.
This decision follows the WHO Emergency Committee 41st meeting on March 6, during which experts reviewed polio trends and the performance of affected countries. While acknowledging Pakistan intensified efforts and vaccination campaigns WHO officials highlighted significant gaps in virus containment especially at provincial and district levels.
The most pressing concern is the surge in polio-positive environmental samples. In...