On World Polio Day 2025, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) African Regional Office delivered a message emphasizing the need for a final, intense push to eradicate the virus across the continent. Although the African Region was declared free of wild poliovirus (WPV) in 2020, the emergence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) remains a critical threat.
The address acknowledged the huge progress made through immunization campaigns. These efforts have saved countless lives and protected millions of children. However, the message stressed that the job is not yet finished. Outbreaks of cVDPV, often linked to low routine vaccination rates, continue to pop up in several countries.
The WHO urged national governments, local communities, and international partners to renew their commitment. Key actions include strengthening routine immunization services, improving disease surveillance, and ensuring every child receives the necessary doses of the polio vaccine. The message highlighted that achieving zero polio is not just a health victory, but a crucial step towards better child health and stronger public health systems continent-wide.
