In 1988, the World Health Assembly set a historic goal: the global eradication of polio. This ambitious objective launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a groundbreaking public-private partnership. Since then, polio cases have dropped by over 99%, with only two countries remaining endemic. If successful, polio would be the second human disease eradicated globally, following smallpox in 1980.
Polio: A Dangerous and Infectious Disease
Polio is a highly contagious virus that can cause irreversible paralysis, typically affecting children under five years old. It spreads primarily through the faecal-oral route, with initial symptoms like fever, fatigue, and stiffness in the limbs. In severe cases, the virus paralyzes muscles, including those necessary for breathing, causing death in 5-10% of cases.
Despite its severe consequences, there is no cure for polio, but it is preventable through vaccination. Both the oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) have proven to be safe and effective. Multiple rounds of immunization can provide lifelong protection.
Global Eradication Efforts
The GPEI’s strategy has achieved remarkable success globally. Most regions of the world are now polio-free, with the disease only still circulating in Afghanistan and Pakistan. These regions represent the final challenge in the global fight against polio. Failure to eradicate polio in these areas could risk a resurgence worldwide, making complete eradication vital.
The Impact of Eradication
The impact of eradicating polio would be immense, both in health and economics. Global health experts estimate that eradicating polio could save up to US$ 50 billion, particularly benefiting low-income countries. Beyond the economic savings, the eradication would ensure that no child will suffer from the life-altering effects of polio paralysis again.
The GPEI not only focuses on polio immunization but also contributes to broader public health efforts, such as responding to natural disasters and supporting disease surveillance.
WHO’s Role and Regional Successes
The World Health Organization (WHO), along with GPEI partners, continues to assist countries still affected by polio. Since the launch of the GPEI, the number of polio cases has fallen by over 99%. Polio-free certifications have been achieved in several regions: the Americas in 1994, the Western Pacific in 2000, Europe in 2002, and South-East Asia in 2014. Most recently, in 2020, Africa was declared free of wild poliovirus.
Looking Ahead
More than 20 million people are able to walk today who would otherwise have been paralyzed due to polio. Additionally, the immunization campaigns have prevented an estimated 1.5 million childhood deaths by administering vitamin A alongside the polio vaccines.
With continued vigilance and effort, the global eradication of polio is within reach. However, complete eradication in the last two remaining endemic countries is critical to ensure that the world will never again see the scourge of polio.
Read also: