In 2020, the World Health Organization declared the entire world polio-free, except for two Asian countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Despite all the efforts to eradicate wild polio, it is still rampant in these two regions. According to research, if we fail to annihilate this disease from the world within the next decade, there is a chance that we could witness a resurgence of the fatal disease with an estimated 200,000 cases annually, bringing back a global pandemic.
As a key partner of the GPEI, Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the foundation considers polio eradication as a top priority. With countless campaigns working in different regions, the Gates Foundation contributes financial and technical resources to expedite the vaccination campaigns and routine immunizations.
The foundation also works with Polio surveillance partners and outbreak response teams to develop safer, more effective vaccines that are critical for sustaining immunity, even in hard-to-reach populations.
Why Focus on Polio?
The journey toward polio eradication is one of the most remarkable achievements in global public health. Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, the incidence of polio has been reduced by over 99%, saving millions of children from lifelong paralysis. However, the remaining challenges in Pakistan and Afghanistan highlight the need for continued focus. These two countries face unique barriers, including mobile populations, inadequate immunization systems, and security concerns that disrupt vaccination efforts.
In addition, outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPVs) in underimmunized communities emphasize the importance of maintaining high levels of routine immunization. Failure to address these gaps could lead to a global resurgence of polio, undoing decades of progress and posing an immense public health risk.
The Importance of Global Collaboration
Eradicating polio requires unprecedented levels of global collaboration and innovation. Governments, NGOs, health workers, and donors, including the Gates Foundation, continue to work together to refine tools, strategies, and logistical systems to reach every last child. Innovations like improved diagnostic tools and vaccine refinements have enhanced the ability to trace and contain polio transmission quickly.
The success in the WHO African Region, which was certified wild poliovirus-free in 2020, is a testament to the power of collaborative effort. It demonstrates that with sufficient resources, commitment, and innovation, even the most complex public health challenges can be overcome.
The ultimate goal is to eradicate all forms of poliovirus permanently. The stakes are high, but the rewards are immense. Experts estimate that eradicating polio would save an estimated $14 billion by 2050 and prevent untold suffering. Beyond financial benefits, the eradication of polio would stand as a symbol of what the global community can achieve through collaboration and determination.
As Pakistan continues its fight against polio, the Gates Foundation remains a committed partner, working tirelessly to ensure that future generations live in a world free from this devastating disease. Ending polio is not just a dream—it is a possibility within reach, and with sustained efforts, it will soon become a reality.