PAHO Celebrates 30 Years of Wild Polio Eradication in the Americas, While Emphasizing Continued Vigilance
Washington, United States (CMC) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is marking a significant milestone: the 30th anniversary since the certification of the eradication of "wild poliovirus" transmission in the Americas, a feat that includes the Caribbean region. This anniversary not only celebrates the past success but also serves as a call to sustain efforts in combating polio across the globe.
In 1975, the region was confronted with nearly 6,000 polio cases. However, a concerted push for child vaccination and rigorous surveillance, spearheaded by governments and supported by PAHO and international partners, led to the last case of wild poliovirus being recorded in 1991 in Peru. By 1994, the Americas were officially polio-free, a declaration underscoring immense work and dedication from health professionals, researchers, and communities who ensured children received vital vaccinations.
Despite this achievement, PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa underscored concerns regarding the ongoing presence of poliovirus worldwide. "Until we eradicate the poliovirus globally, maintaining high vaccination coverage and rigorous surveillance remains crucial," Barbosa stressed. Polio, which affects the central nervous system and can cause acute paralysis, remains a threat in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, underscoring the need for global vigilance and cooperation.
The organization highlighted the remarkable decline in polio cases worldwide—reduced by over 99% since 1988 when there were around 350,000 cases. However, the potential for outbreaks persists, particularly if unvaccinated groups are exposed.
Barbosa commended the impact of immunization programs that have dramatically reduced vaccine-preventable diseases and praised the continued support from governments and partners, including Rotary International and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He acknowledged that while there is progress—87% of children in the Americas are now vaccinated with the third dose of the polio vaccine, up from 83% in 2022—this still falls short of the desired 95% coverage. To prevent the reintroduction of polio, achieving this target is crucial.
Further concerns are related to vaccine-derived cases. In rare scenarios, the live virus used in oral polio vaccines can mutate within under-immunized populations, potentially leading to new cases. Hence, PAHO stresses the need for complete and widespread immunization to mitigate these risks.
The PAHO director urged community leaders, health professionals, and educators to renew their commitment to polio eradication efforts and other preventable diseases. "Let us unite today to celebrate 30 more years free of wild polio in the Americas and reaffirm our commitment to a polio-free world," Barbosa called out, encouraging collective action.
In line with World Polio Day, an event dedicated to recognizing global efforts toward a polio-free future, PAHO has announced a webinar to be held in Washington to commemorate this milestone and further discuss strategies to sustain eradication efforts.
As the world inches closer to the ultimate goal of eliminating wild polio, PAHO’s anniversary celebration is both a reminder of past accomplishments and a clarion call for sustained vigilance and unity in the fight against polio.
