A recent report highlights the incredible strides made in the fight against polio, showcasing the global efforts that have brought us closer to eradicating the disease. A generation ago, polio was a devastating threat, leaving hundreds of thousands of children paralyzed every year. Thanks to the development of effective vaccines by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin in the 1950s, significant progress has been achieved, leading to the complete elimination of wild poliovirus in the United States by 1979.

The global vaccination campaign has played a crucial role in reducing polio cases worldwide. Back in 1980, only 1 out of 5 infants received vaccinations, but now, that ratio has significantly improved, with only 1 out of 5 infants remaining unvaccinated. The world has seen a substantial decrease in paralytic polio cases since the 1980s, with most regions now certified as polio-free.

Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to combat polio continue to make progress. The development of novel Oral Poliovirus Vaccines (nOPV) since 2020 has provided new opportunities to prevent vaccine-derived poliovirus infections. The eradication of wild poliovirus serotypes has shown considerable success, with serotype 2 eradicated globally in 2015 and serotype 3 in 2019.

The data presented in the report demonstrates how far the world has come in the battle against polio. The last remaining wild poliovirus cases are now largely concentrated in only two countries, offering hope for global eradication. With widespread access to nOPVs and robust testing mechanisms in place, the goal of eradicating polio entirely is within reach for our generation.

This ongoing effort to eliminate polio parallels the successful eradication of smallpox in 1980, underscoring the monumental impact such achievements can have on public health. The global community must remain vigilant and committed to the cause, ensuring that every child has access to life-saving vaccines and that no one is left behind in the final push to end polio for future generations.