World Polio Day 2025: All on deadly disease and global efforts to eradicate it

By Admin

25 Oct, 2025

A Global Commitment to End Polio
Every year on October 24, the world comes together to observe World Polio Day, a reminder of both our tremendous success and the unfinished work in eradicating one of the world’s most feared diseases. The World Health Assembly began its mission in 1988 to eliminate polio globally   and since then, the results have been nothing short of extraordinary.

The Fight So Far
According to UNICEF, polio cases have fallen by an astounding 99.9% since 1988. This success has been driven by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which has saved an estimated 1.5 million children and led to $27 billion in treatment cost savings. Yet, while the progress is historic, the fight is not over. Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, a significant drop from the 127 countries where it once spread widely.

Encouraging Numbers but Continued Vigilance
This year has shown renewed hope only 188 cases were recorded globally in the first nine months of 2025, compared to over 500 last year. While this is an improvement, it still shows the need for constant vigilance. In comparison, 2015 saw just 106 cases, which means there is room to regain the momentum and push towards complete eradication.

Understanding Polio
Polio, or poliomyelitis, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a life-threatening viral disease that attacks the nervous system, potentially causing irreversible paralysis. Children under the age of five are the most vulnerable, but unvaccinated individuals of any age remain at risk. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water, emphasizing the need for hygiene and immunization.

Milestones in the Journey to Eradication
The WHO’s global regions have achieved remarkable milestones:

• 1994: The Americas declared polio-free.
  
  

• 2000: The Western Pacific Region achieved the same milestone.
  
  

• 2002: The European Region followed suit.
  
  

• 2014: The South-East Asia Region, stretching from Indonesia to India, was certified polio-free.
  
  

Even conflict-hit regions have made progress   Gaza, for instance, witnessed large-scale immunization drives, and no polio cases have been reported there since March 5, 2025, as per UNICEF.

A Testament to Global Unity
The near-eradication of polio stands as one of humanity’s greatest public health achievements. It symbolizes what can be accomplished when nations, organizations, and communities unite for a common cause. Through vaccination, education, and global cooperation, the world has proven that collective action can indeed defeat even the most formidable diseases.

As we mark World Polio Day 2025, the message is clear   the finish line is in sight, but we must not stop until every child, everywhere, is safe from polio.