Imagine a world where a devastating disease that once paralyzed and killed countless children is now virtually eradicated. That’s the reality in the WHO South-East Asia Region, which is celebrating 15 years without a single case of wild poliovirus. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: the lessons and innovations from the polio eradication program are now driving broader public health victories across the region.
This milestone is no small feat. Home to a quarter of the world’s population, the region has not only maintained its polio-free status but has also leveraged its success to strengthen overall health systems. As Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of the WHO South-East Asia Region, aptly puts it, “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.”
Let’s rewind to 2011. On this very date, an 18-month-old girl in Howrah, West Bengal, India, became the last known victim of wild poliovirus in the region. The swift and comprehensive response that followed ensured this remained an isolated incident. By 2014, the region was officially certified polio-free—a testament to the power of collective action.
But staying polio-free isn’t just about celebrating past victories; it’s about constant vigilance. The region continues to monitor for potential poliovirus importation and protects its children through robust vaccination programs. In 2025 alone, over 50,000 stool samples were collected and tested across a network of 13 WHO-accredited laboratories. Environmental surveillance at 93 high-risk sites in five countries adds an extra layer of detection, ensuring no transmission goes unnoticed.
And this is the part most people miss: the polio program’s impact extends far beyond polio itself. Member countries have applied its innovations and operational lessons to strengthen routine immunization, eliminate measles and rubella, enhance laboratory capacities, and improve emergency preparedness. These efforts have expanded immunization coverage, reached previously underserved communities, and closed critical immunity gaps.
Take, for instance, the region’s progress against other vaccine-preventable diseases. Maternal and neonatal tetanus has been eliminated, and the introduction of vaccines for pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, and human papillomavirus continues to save lives and reduce long-term disease burdens.
Yet, the fight isn’t over. As long as polio exists anywhere in the world, the risk of importation remains. Countries must maintain high immunization coverage, sensitive surveillance, and rapid response capacities—not just for polio, but for all vaccine-preventable diseases.
But here’s the controversial question: Are we doing enough to sustain these gains in the face of emerging health challenges like climate change, humanitarian crises, and new pandemics? The polio journey teaches us that ambitious public health goals are achievable, but only with sustained commitment and innovation.
As Dr. Boehme emphasizes, “WHO remains committed to supporting countries to protect every child through strong routine immunization systems and to advance disease elimination across the Region.” But what do you think? Are we on the right track, or is there more we could—or should—be doing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
