World Polio Day 2024: WHO Calls For Recommitment Towards Eradication Of Polio
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As the global community marks World Polio Day 2024, the African region stands on the cusp of a historic achievement—eradicating polio once and for all.
This is according to the Regional Director for Africa of World Health Organization, WHO, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, in a reflection on the continent’s decade-long battle against the virus.
“From Madagascar’s success in going a year without a single case of circulating variant poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) to Southern Africa’s victory over an imported wild poliovirus outbreak, Africa has made significant strides.” – she said.
According to Dr Moeti, while cases of cVDPV1 have dropped by 96% and cVDPV2 by 65% from 2023 to 2024, stressing that challenges remain, especially in regions like the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel, where insecurity and population movement hinder progress.
She praised the unwavering dedication of healthcare workers and urged governments to recommit to vaccination and surveillance efforts.
As Dr. Moeti transitions from her role, her message was clear: “Our success is not just Africa’s—it is the world’s. With sustained momentum, strong leadership, and global solidarity, a polio-free future is within our reach.”
