Afghan Government Faces Polio Spread in Volatile Regions

KABUL -- The Afghan Health Ministry is reporting a dramatic increase in polio among children in the restive south and southeastern provinces along the Pakistani border.

Health Minister Said Mohammad Amin Fatimi told RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan that at least 31 cases of polio have been recorded in the country in the last six months.

The Afghan Health Ministry launched a campaign to fight polio this year, but children in volatile regions have not been able to have full advantage of the programs.

According to the Health Ministry, the government of Saudi Arabia has donated about $1 million to Afghanistan's antipolio campaign.