A remarkable milestone has been reached in the fight against polio, and it's time to celebrate and reflect on the progress made. The WHO South-East Asia Region, home to a quarter of the world's population, has successfully maintained its polio-free status for an incredible 15 years!
But here's where it gets controversial: this achievement is not just about eradicating polio; it's about the lasting impact and the broader public health gains that have been made possible.
Let's delve into this inspiring story and explore how a single disease's legacy has driven significant advancements in global health.
It all began on a fateful day in 2011 when an 18-month-old girl in Howrah, West Bengal, India, was paralyzed by wild poliovirus. This tragic event sparked an extensive and intensive response, ensuring that it remained the last case of its kind in the region. Three years later, in 2014, the WHO South-East Asia Region was officially certified as polio-free.
Since then, the region has been vigilant, protecting its children and maintaining its polio-free status. Over 50,000 stool samples were collected and tested across the region in 2025, with surveillance standards exceeding expectations. Environmental surveillance at high-risk sites in five countries adds an extra layer of protection.
The region's success is a testament to unwavering government leadership, a dedicated healthcare workforce, and strong partnerships. Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of the WHO South-East Asia Region, emphasizes, "This extraordinary achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished and sustained through collective effort."
But this is just the beginning. The polio programme's legacy continues to drive progress in various areas of public health. Member countries have utilized the innovations and lessons learned from polio eradication to strengthen routine immunization, advance measles and rubella elimination, enhance public health laboratory capacities, and improve emergency preparedness.
These efforts have had a profound impact. Routine immunization coverage has expanded, reaching communities previously left behind, and closing immunity gaps. Additionally, significant progress has been made against other vaccine-preventable diseases. The region continues to sustain the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus, while the introduction of vaccines against pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, and human papillomavirus has reduced mortality and long-term disease burden.
Even during challenging times, such as humanitarian emergencies, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have maintained high-quality surveillance and immunization services, safeguarding their hard-earned gains.
The South-East Asia Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication (SEA-RCCPE) provides independent oversight, meeting annually to review progress and verify the region's polio-free status. This ensures that the region remains vigilant and prepared.
And this is the part most people miss: the journey from polio endemicity to sustained polio-free status is a testament to the power of ambitious public health goals. Dr. Boehme emphasizes, "It demonstrates that with dedication and collaboration, we can achieve remarkable feats."
The polio programme's legacy continues to inspire and drive progress, and WHO remains committed to supporting countries in protecting every child through strong routine immunization systems and advancing disease elimination across the region.
So, as we celebrate this milestone, let's also acknowledge the ongoing efforts and the bright future that lies ahead in the fight for global health.
