The WHO declared South-East Asia polio-free in 2014, in March. This milestone is the result of years of hard work from health workers and global partners.

WHO's Saima Wazed stresses that vigilance and surveillance are crucial. Health workers have achieved so much through vaccination, but the fight isn’t over. Communities must keep immunization programs going.

While South-East Asia thrives, countries like Angola, Nigeria, and Somalia still report polio cases. This highlights the ongoing global battle against the virus. Adequate response efforts are necessary everywhere.

Being polio-free benefits communities significantly. It not only enhances health but also strengthens public health infrastructure. This creates a foundation for managing other health issues, like measles and COVID-19.

Misinformation can harm vaccination efforts. Even with proven safety and effectiveness, some communities resist vaccines. WHO experts urge for collective effort to promote accurate information.

The Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan 2025-2026 aims to enhance sensitivity in surveillance worldwide. It seeks to fill surveillance gaps and ensure timely detection of poliovirus.

Achieving global polio eradication is the ultimate goal. South-East Asia's success showcases how collective action can yield results. Continuous effort remains critical, especially in endemic regions.