WHO struggles to eradicate polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan amid vaccine issues and mismanagement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) faces difficulties in eradicating polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan due to fake vaccination records, an imperfect vaccine, and mismanagement. Despite spending over $20 billion and coming close to eradication, the virus has rebounded, with cases rising from five in 2021 to 99 in 2022. Criticisms include outdated strategies, issues with the oral vaccine, and cultural opposition to vaccination. WHO's polio director, Dr. Jamal Ahmed, remains optimistic, aiming to end the spread in 12 to 18 months, with the eradication goal set for 2029.