Fifteen years have passed since the last reported case of wild poliovirus in the WHO South-East Asia Region, which is home to about a quarter of the global population. This milestone not only highlights the region's commitment to remaining polio-free but also showcases how the lessons learned from the polio initiative are being leveraged to enhance overall public health efforts.
Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge for the WHO South-East Asia Region, emphasizes the significance of this accomplishment, stating, "This extraordinary achievement followed unparalleled efforts and demonstrates what can be accomplished and sustained through unwavering government leadership, a dedicated health workforce, and strong partnerships, including with communities."
The pivotal moment occurred in 2011 when an 18-month-old girl in Howrah, West Bengal, India, became paralyzed due to wild poliovirus. The swift and comprehensive measures taken in response ensured that this would remain the final case of the virus within the region. Subsequently, on March 27, 2014, the WHO officially declared the South-East Asia Region polio-free.
To maintain this status, rigorous measures are in place to prevent the reintroduction of the virus while ensuring children are safeguarded through vaccination against what was once a widespread cause of paralysis and fatalities. In 2025 alone, over 50,000 stool samples were collected across the region and analyzed through a network of 13 accredited laboratories, including national, regional, and global reference facilities. The ongoing surveillance efforts are exceeding the stringent requirements necessary for maintaining certification as polio-free.
In addition, environmental monitoring is being carried out at 93 locations known to have populations at high risk, further enhancing the capacity to detect any potential transmission of the virus. According to the WHO/UNICEF annual estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC), the region has consistently achieved high levels of immunity among its population, with coverage for both the bivalent oral polio vaccine and at least one dose of inactivated polio vaccine remaining above 90% for several years.
Even amidst challenges such as humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have successfully maintained high standards of surveillance and immunization services, protecting the hard-earned progress made over the years.
To ensure independent oversight, the South-East Asia Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication (SEA-RCCPE) convenes annually to review each country’s progress, evaluate risks, and confirm the continued polio-free status of the region.
Moreover, the benefits of the polio program extend well beyond just tackling this single disease. Member nations have adopted innovations, operational systems, and lessons learned from the fight against polio to bolster routine immunization efforts, eliminate measles and rubella, improve public health laboratory capabilities, and enhance emergency preparedness. These initiatives have played a crucial role in increasing routine immunization rates, reaching previously underserved populations, and addressing immunity shortfalls.
Significant strides have also been made in combating other vaccine-preventable diseases. The region has successfully maintained the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus, while the rollout of vaccines for diseases such as pneumococcal infections, rotavirus, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, and human papillomavirus is contributing to reduced mortality and long-term health complications.
However, it is important to note that as long as polio exists anywhere globally, the potential for reintroduction remains a threat. Dr. Boehme stresses the need for countries to uphold high immunization rates, sensitive surveillance systems, and rapid response capabilities for polio and other vaccine-preventable illnesses.
"The journey from polio endemicity to sustained polio-free status illustrates that ambitious public health goals are indeed within reach," she remarked. "WHO is dedicated to supporting countries in their efforts to provide every child with protection through robust routine immunization systems and to push forward with disease elimination across the region."
This remarkable journey raises important questions: What lessons can we apply from the fight against polio to tackle other public health challenges? How can communities work together to sustain these hard-won achievements? Share your thoughts in the comments!
