What We DoIssuesGlobal HealthGlobal Health Resource CenterThe Americas Mark 30 Years Without Wild Polio
Last updated October 31, 2024
Written by: Elizabeth Thrush, Senior Polio & Immunization Advocacy Officer
In 1991, in rural Pichinaki, Peru, two-year-old Luis Fermín Tenorio Cortez was identified to have the last known case of wild polio in the Americas. Three years later, in 1994, the Americas became the first region in the world to be certified wild polio-free.
Now, as the region marks 30 years since this milestone, its success story has become part of a larger global narrative that has driven polio to the brink of eradication—with cases plummeting by 99.9% worldwide since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which serves as the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Americas, marked its 30th anniversary of being certified wild polio-free with a commemorative photo exhibition at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and a virtual webinar that attracted over 450 participants.
On October 22, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, inaugurated the photo exhibition, which featured compelling images documenting this historic accomplishment. The United Nations Foundation provided support to PAHO for the photo exhibition and the reception that followed. Photos from the event can be found here.
The commemorative webinar, hosted by PAHO on World Polio Day (October 24) brought together key speakers to celebrate this remarkable achievement and reflect on the journey ahead. Dr. Barbosa, alongside Dr. Daniel Salas, PAHO’s Executive Manager of the Comprehensive Program on Immunization, opened the session by contextualizing the significance of this anniversary.
“Achieving a milestone like this is not easy. It involves a lot of work, commitment, and tenacity from thousands of health workers, researchers, partners, and all the people responsible for vaccinating their children,” Dr. Barbosa said. However, Dr. Barbosa warned about the persistence of polio in other parts of the world. “Until we eradicate the poliovirus globally, we must maintain high vaccination coverage and adequate surveillance to detect any imported cases,” he emphasized.
Dr. John F. Vertefeuille, Director of the Global Immunization Division of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , addressed recent polio outbreaks around the world during the webinar. “We must double down on our efforts to finish this job,” he stated, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining robust surveillance systems and high vaccination coverage.
The event also featured powerful testimonials, including that of Dr. Roxana Castillo, a vaccine specialist and polio survivor from Honduras, who shared her personal journey and the impact of polio on her life and family. Dr. Lisa Indar from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) discussed current immunization challenges in the region, while Dr. Marcelo Haick from Rotary International outlined strategic approaches for achieving global polio eradication. The recording of the webinar can be found here.
Ellyn Ogden witnessed the historic 1994 declaration as a young epidemiologist and now serves as USAID’s Worldwide Polio Eradication Coordinator. “I remember attending the historic regional certification meeting when the Americas were certified polio-free,” she recalls. “The room was filled with great joy and optimism and booming applause.”
PAHO demonstrated to the world that polio eradication was possible, built on a foundation of strong national immunization systems. Ogden particularly remembers the influence of Dr. Ciro de Quadros, who taught that polio could be “a bridge to peace.” His vision extended beyond this initial success. “I could not have been more pleased when he said – let’s get rid of measles next!” she shares. Ogden extends her congratulations to member states, PAHO, partners, and all the front-line workers who remain dedicated to vaccinating children and continuing this remarkable legacy.
As part of this historic commemoration, health leaders and partners from across the region continue to share their perspectives. PAHO’s World Polio Day webpage features videos where you can watch reflections from representatives of the World Health Organization and the Regional Certification Commission, providing valuable insights into the certification process and its global significance. Additionally, country representatives share their experiences and ongoing efforts to maintain a polio-free region, highlighting their nations’ commitment to continuing the fight against polio.
While wild poliovirus remains endemic in just two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Americas’ achievement demonstrates what’s possible through sustained commitment to public health. Earlier this year, the South-East Asia Region commemorated its own milestone, 10 years of being certified wild polio-free. Together, these successes remind us of what’s possible when countries unite behind a common cause: delivering a polio-free world.
Elizabeth Thrush is the Senior Officer for Polio and Immunization Advocacy on the Global Health team at the United Nations Foundation. In this role, she provides advocacy support for UN Foundation’s polio and broader immunization portfolios. Prior to joining the UN Foundation, Elizabeth worked on the immunization team at the Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), providing support for the countries of the Americas on immunization and surveillance activities for polio and other vaccine preventable diseases. Elizabeth holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree focused on global health and behavior change communication from The George Washington University.
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