Polio's Last Stand: How We Went From 125 Endemic Countries to Just 2
How Close Are We to Completely Eradicating Polio From Earth?
Polio has been reduced by 99.9% since 1988, dropping from endemic status in 125 countries to just 2 remaining strongholds - Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has delivered over 2.5 billion childhood immunizations through 200+ countries and 20 million volunteers, making polio eradication one of the greatest public health achievements in history.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
We’re witnessing the final chapter of humanity’s second disease eradication effort after smallpox. The numbers are staggering - from over 1,000 children paralyzed daily in 1988 to just two countries remaining. However, recent cases in Gaza after 25 years of elimination remind us that war, conflict, and breakdown of health systems can quickly reverse decades of progress. The last 0.1% may prove the most challenging.