Ending wild polio virus in Africa is one of the greatest public health achievements of our time and provides powerful inspiration for all of us to finish the job of eradicating polio globally,
said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Following a four-year period without any recorded cases, the Africa Regional Certification Commission officially declared the WHO African Region free of wild polio, as stated by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. With this monumental achievement, five out of the six WHO regions—accounting for more than 90% of the global population—have successfully eliminated the wild poliovirus. Only two countries worldwide continue to see wild poliovirus transmission: Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Countries Coordinate Efforts to Overcome Major Challenges
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative congratulated the national governments of the 47 countries in the WHO African Region for the achievement. Strong leadership and innovation were instrumental in stopping the virus. Nations worked together to surmount significant obstacles to child immunization, such as rapid population shifts, violence and instability that limited healthcare access, and the rapid cross-border transmission capabilities of the virus.
Donors, including governments, the private sector, multilateral institutions, and philanthropic organizations, provided continued generosity and a shared commitment that helped build the infrastructure enabling the region to reach more children than ever before.
During a challenging year for global health, the certification of the African region as wild poliovirus-free is a sign of hope and progress that shows what can be accomplished through collaboration and perseverance,
said Rotary International President Holger Knaack.
Experts Warn Against Complacency to Protect Progress
While the milestone brings significant health benefits—such as supporting the region’s response to COVID-19 and bolstering routine immunization—experts warn against complacency. Safeguarding these gains and combating the transmission of type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2)—which currently affects 16 nations in the area—requires an ongoing, unwavering dedication. Pockets of low immunity and interruptions in vaccination due to COVID-19 have left communities more vulnerable.
To eliminate every single strain of the disease across the globe, the initiative urges donors and nations to maintain their watchfulness regarding all variations of polio.
