Polio eradication: 99.9% defeated, what’s left to end it forever?

Polio: The final push for eradication — what it will take to end the disease for good

Polio, once a terrifying disease that paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children worldwide each year, is now on the brink of eradication. Thanks to decades of global vaccination efforts, polio cases have fallen by an extraordinary 99.9% since 1988. However, the disease is not gone yet, and the last stretch of this journey is as critical as ever.

In a recent episode of WHO's Science in 5, Dr. Jamal Ahmad delved into why polio eradication still matters, how close the world is to ending the disease, and what’s at stake if the job isn’t finished. Despite only a few remaining cases in just two countries, polio continues to pose a global threat.

Dr. Ahmad emphasized that while global cooperation, enhanced tools, and better knowledge have strengthened the fight against polio, political commitment is still required to fully eliminate the disease.

Why polio eradication matters

Polio is highly contagious, spreading easily and respecting no borders. As long as polio exists anywhere, it poses a threat everywhere. Despite its near-eradication, the few remaining cases underscore the need for continued vigilance and global cooperation. Dr. Ahmad explains that achieving total eradication is essential to prevent any child from being paralyzed by this disease in the future.

“Eradication is all or nothing,” Dr. Ahmad said, highlighting the global urgency. With only a handful of cases left, the final step requires unrelenting commitment and the collective effort of governments, health organizations, and communities worldwide.

What’s at stake

The benefits of eliminating polio extend beyond public health. If eradicated, polio would save billions of dollars in healthcare costs, as treatment and rehabilitation for those affected by polio are extensive and expensive. Dr. Ahmad noted that the tools for eradication are now stronger than ever, but sustaining progress requires continuous funding and active political will.

Steps to full eradication

• Vaccination: Ensuring that every child, everywhere, receives the polio vaccine is essential to stopping the disease for good.
  
• Health interventions: Providing access to life-saving health services, especially in areas where polio remains a threat.
• Political will: Global and local governments must continue to show strong support for vaccination campaigns and contribute to funding eradication programs.

Dr. Ahmad’s call to action includes urging everyone to ensure their families are vaccinated, and for governments to continue supporting eradication efforts. The message is clear: eradicating polio is not just a public health issue, it’s a moral obligation to future generations.

What you can do

• Ensure you and your family are vaccinated against polio.
• Advocate for strong government support for polio eradication efforts.
  
• Get involved with concerned organizations to help raise awareness and provide funding.

The fight against polio is one step away from its final victory. We are closer than ever to seeing a world where no child is ever paralyzed by polio again.

Watch the full podcast HERE

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