The World Health Organization has declared the spread of polio is an international public health emergency
Outbreaks in Asia, Africa and Middle East are an "extraordinary event" needing a co-ordinated "international response".
The World Health Organization recommends citizens of affected countries travelling abroad carry a vaccination certificate.
It says Pakistan, Cameroon, and Syria "pose the greatest risk of further wild poliovirus exportations in 2014."
The WHO also lists Afghanistan, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Israel, Somalia and Nigeria.
Polio mainly affects children under five years old.
The virus is transmitted through contaminated food and water, and multiplies in the intestine. It can then invade the nervous system, causing paralysis in one in every 200 infections. It is capable of causing death within hours.
"The conditions for a public health emergency of international concern have been met," said Bruce Aylward, WHO.
Shame that just over 25 years ago, polio disappeared from the US, UK, AUS etc and these third world countries are still struggling with it. It should have been eradicated by now. But of course people won't care because it's Africa and Asia..
It's amazing how money and resources make all the difference on whether or not you'll receive preventative and quality health care. Everyone newborn should be vaccinated for Polio starting over 20 years ago
