85 percent of children affected by polio in 2023 lived in fragile and conflict-affected areas: UNICEF
New York, 14 February 2023 – More than 85 per cent of the 1,007 children paralyzed by wild poliovirus in 2023 lived in just two countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan – with the vast majority of cases occurring in areas affected by conflict and insecurity, UNICEF said today.
In Pakistan, 99 children were paralyzed by wild poliovirus in 2023, 92 of whom lived in areas affected by conflict and insecurity. In Afghanistan, 808 children were paralyzed by wild poliovirus, all of whom lived in areas affected by conflict and insecurity.
“These children are the innocent victims of conflict and insecurity,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “They have been denied the basic right to health and protection, and they now face a lifetime of disability.”
Conflict and insecurity make it difficult for health workers to reach children with essential vaccines and other health services. In 2023, 303 wild poliovirus cases were reported in areas of Pakistan that are inaccessible to health workers due to insecurity.
“We must do more to reach every child with life-saving vaccines,” said Russell. “We must also work to end the conflicts that are putting children at risk.”
UNICEF is working with partners to strengthen immunization services in conflict-affected areas. In 2023, UNICEF supported the vaccination of over 50 million children in Pakistan and Afghanistan against polio.
UNICEF is also calling for an end to the use of heavy weapons in populated areas, which can cause widespread damage and displacement. UNICEF is also calling for the protection of health workers and facilities, and for the safe passage of humanitarian aid.
“Every child deserves a chance to live a healthy and productive life,” said Russell. “We must do everything we can to protect children from the devastating effects of conflict and insecurity.”
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