Global Effort to Eradicate Polio Receives $1.9 Billion Boost

Global health leaders gathered in Abu Dhabi and pledged $1.9 billion to eliminate polio worldwide, bringing the world closer to eradicating only the second human disease in history after smallpox. The funding includes $1.2 billion in new commitments that cuts the remaining resource gap for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to just $440 million through 2029.

The pledge came during an event called "Investing in Humanity: United to End Polio," hosted by the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian Impact alongside the Global Polio Eradication Initiative as part of Abu Dhabi Finance Week.

The funding breakdown shows significant commitments from major donors. The Gates Foundation led with $1.2 billion, followed by $450 million from Rotary International, $154 million from Pakistan, $140 million from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation, $100 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies, $62 million from Germany, $46 million from the United States, $6 million from Japan, $4 million from IFANCA, and $3 million from Luxembourg.

This money will help reach 370 million children annually with vaccines and strengthen health systems in affected countries. Wild poliovirus remains endemic in only two countries - Afghanistan and Pakistan - but variant outbreaks continue threatening children globally.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, has been a leading advocate for polio eradication since 2011, contributing over $525 million to the cause. Through the UAE's polio vaccination campaign, more than 850 million vaccine doses have reached children in Pakistan since 2014, focusing especially on remote and hard-to-reach communities.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the world stands on the verge of a historic achievement. "But completing this task requires doubling efforts from all parties. The support announced here in Abu Dhabi will play a decisive role in reaching every child in endemic countries and stopping variant outbreaks worldwide."

This marks Abu Dhabi's third major pledging event for polio eradication, following conferences in 2013 and 2019 that together raised $6.6 billion. The consistent support reflects the UAE's commitment to this global health priority.

The numbers tell a remarkable story. Since 1988, polio cases have dropped by more than 99%. Before global eradication efforts began, the disease paralyzed 1,000 children daily across 125 countries. Today, only 39 children were paralyzed by wild poliovirus this year in Pakistan and Afghanistan, though variant outbreaks persist in 18 countries.

Bill Gates emphasized how close the world has come to success. "We've traveled 99.9% of the way, but reaching the finish line requires the same determination that got us this far. The new funding will help complete the mission and strengthen health systems that protect children from this disease forever."

The economic case is compelling too. Successfully eliminating polio is expected to save the world more than $33 billion by 2100 compared to ongoing costs of responding to and controlling outbreaks.

Pakistan's Minister of Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, highlighted his country's commitment despite being one of only two remaining endemic countries. "Through innovative vaccination strategies and enhanced community engagement, we're building trust and reaching more children. These efforts bring us closer to a polio-free Pakistan and a healthier future for all."

The intensive efforts to reach every child with vaccines have created broader health improvements. These include strengthened routine immunization programs, better disease surveillance systems, and improved emergency response capabilities - benefits that extend far beyond polio.

But the path hasn't been straight. After recording historic lows in 2021 and 2023, this year saw increases in both endemic countries, proving that challenges in reaching every child remain real and require continued international commitment.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell noted that the generous pledges will enable health workers worldwide to reach every child, especially those consistently missed in the most fragile and conflict-affected areas.

Dr. Sania Nishtar from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said decades of global partnership, including the UAE's central role alongside other key supporters, have brought the world closer to ending polio than ever before. The new funding gives renewed confidence that a completely polio-free future for all children will soon be achieved.

The fight against polio shows what's possible when the world unites behind a shared goal. With 20 million people able to walk today because of polio vaccines, the final push to eliminate this preventable disease represents both a humanitarian imperative and a testament to sustained international cooperation.