The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region (WHOSEAR) has marked 15 years since the last recorded case of wild poliovirus. This underscores one of the most significant public health achievements of the modern era. It also highlights how the polio eradication programme continues to strengthen broader health systems across the Region.

The milestone comes as the Region, home to nearly one-quarter of the world’s population, sustains its polio-free status. It applies innovations, infrastructure, and lessons from polio eradication. These efforts accelerate progress against other vaccine-preventable diseases and emerging health threats.

The Last Case of Wild Poliovirus in The Region

On 13 January 2011, an 18-month-old girl in Howrah, West Bengal, India, was paralysed by wild poliovirus. This was the final confirmed case in the WHO South-East Asia Region. At that time, polio was a major cause of childhood paralysis in parts of the world. It was especially prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.

The response that followed was extensive and unprecedented. It involved intensified vaccination campaigns and expanded disease surveillance. Coordinated action took place across governments, health workers, and communities. These efforts ensured that the virus did not regain a foothold.

Three years later, on 27 March 2014, the Region was officially certified polio-free.

Sustaining a Polio-Free Region Through Vigilance and Surveillance

Although wild poliovirus has not been present for over a decade, the WHO South-East Asia Region is still vigilant against virus importation. They recognise that polio remains endemic in parts of the world.

In 2025 alone, more than 50,000 stool samples were collected across the Region. They were tested through a network of 13 WHO-accredited polio laboratories. This includes national, regional, and global reference laboratories. Surveillance performance continues to exceed the standards required to maintain polio-free certification.

To further enhance detection, environmental surveillance has been expanded to 93 sites across high-risk populations in five countries. This surveillance involves testing sewage samples for poliovirus. It adds an additional layer of sensitivity to detect any silent transmission.

The South-East Asia Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication (SEA-RCCPE) provides independent oversight. It meets annually to review country progress and assess risks. The commission also verifies the Region’s continued polio-free status.

Immunisation Coverage

According to the WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), the Region has maintained high population immunity. This has been sustained consistently for many years.

Coverage with bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) has remained above 90%. Receiving at least one dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is also above this critical threshold. This is essential for preventing poliovirus transmission.

Notably, these gains were maintained even during periods of significant disruption. This includes humanitarian emergencies, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These instances demonstrate the resilience of immunisation and surveillance systems.

Beyond Polio: A Lasting Public Health Legacy

The elimination of wild poliovirus remains the programme’s defining achievement. However, WHO officials emphasise that the polio legacy extends far beyond a single disease.

“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.” 

-Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Region.

Member countries have applied polio eradication innovations and operational lessons to:

• Strengthen routine immunisation systems
  
• Advance measles and rubella elimination
  
• Enhance public health laboratory capacity
  
• Improve disease surveillance and emergency preparedness
  
• Reach previously unreached and marginalised communities
  

These systems have helped close immunity gaps and improve health equity across the Region.

Progress Against Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

The Region has also recorded major gains against multiple vaccine-preventable diseases, reinforcing the value of strong immunisation systems.

WHO reports that South-East Asia continues to sustain the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus. This is a significant achievement. The disease is associated with poor access to clean delivery and immunisation services.

In addition, countries have introduced and scaled up vaccines against:

• Pneumococcal disease
• Rotavirus
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese encephalitis
• Typhoid
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  

These interventions have contributed to reduced child mortality, lower long-term disease burden, and improved population health outcomes.

Global Context About Polio

Sustaining Momentum Toward Disease Elimination

Dr Boehme emphasised that the journey from endemic polio to sustained elimination offers a powerful lesson for global health.

“The journey from polio endemicity to sustained polio-free status demonstrates that ambitious public health goals are achievable,” “WHO remains committed to supporting countries to protect every child through strong routine immunization systems and to advance disease elimination across the Region.”

-Dr Boehme

As WHO South-East Asia Region marks 15 years without wild poliovirus, this milestone stands as a triumph over one of the world’s most feared childhood diseases. It also serves as a model for tackling future public health challenges.

The Region’s experience demonstrates key factors for delivering lasting health gains. These include political commitment, community trust, scientific innovation, and sustained investment. These lessons remain critical as countries confront emerging infections, climate-related health risks, and persistent inequities in access to care.