Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication–Afghanistan and Pakistan, January 2004-February 2005

Although poliomyelitis remained endemic in only six countries at the end of 2003, a resurgence of polio occurred in 2004, originating in Nigeria and resulting in the export of wild poliovirus (WPV) into the polio-free countries of western and central Africa. However, progress toward interrupting WPV transmission continued during 2004 in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, the only remaining countries in Asia where polio is endemic. This report summarizes progress toward polio eradication in Afghanistan and Pakistan during January 2004-February 2005 and indicates that, with continued support from national and local leaders, interruption of poliovirus transmission in both countries is feasible by the end of 2005.