Polio, a highly infectious viral disease largely affecting children under 5 years of age, can cause long-term muscle pain and weakness, breathing difficulties, paralysis and death. From an estimated 350,000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries in 1988, wild poliovirus cases have decreased by over 99% with 38 reported cases by October 2025.
On World Polio Day, we join the world in honoring the global partnership and relentless efforts that have brought us to the brink of polio eradication. Thanks to the dedication of governments, health workers, partners, and communities, the WHO South-East Asia Region has been polio-free since 2014.
However, the journey is not over. The virus continues to threaten children in parts of the world, and our fight is not over until every child is safe from polio, everywhere. Vigilance is our best protection.
Today, we celebrate the resilience and dedication of our immunization teams. Their work in surveillance, outbreak response, and community engagement continues to be the backbone of our success.
These assets and capacities can continue to serve the health of our people, and it is important to transition them into broader health systems. Integrating polio-funded infrastructure into national immunization and surveillance programs strengthens our capacity to respond to emerging health threats and reach zero-dose children.
On World Polio Day, I call upon all Member States, partners, civil society organizations, and individuals to:
- Recommit to a polio-free world, through immunization campaigns and enhanced awareness
- Engage communities, for every child to receive life-saving vaccines
- Invest in surveillance and health systems, to protect against future outbreaks
- Advocate for sustained financial and political commitment, to finish the job and sustain beyond.
Together, we can protect every child from polio, everywhere—and build a healthier and more resilient future for all.