A Remarkable Journey: Western Pacific’s Unwavering Fight Against Polio
A quarter of a century polio-free! This is a testament to the incredible progress made by the Western Pacific Region, but it’s also a call to action, reminding us that our work is far from over.
This week, leaders and experts from across the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region convened in Tokyo to commemorate a significant milestone: 25 years since the Region was certified polio-free. This anniversary, coinciding with the 31st meeting of the Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC), serves as a powerful reminder of the Region’s commitment to public health.
Hosted by the Government of Japan and supported by the Japan Institute for Health Security, the meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including national certification committee chairs, global experts, and partners such as UNICEF, Rotary International, and the Gates Foundation. Together, they reaffirmed the importance of constant vigilance, sustained financing, and unwavering political commitment to maintain a polio-free status.
But here’s where it gets controversial: recent outbreaks in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia highlight the ongoing threat posed by poliovirus. Despite the Region’s success, the world must remain vigilant, as viruses know no borders.
At the RCC meeting, experts assessed each country’s progress and outlined critical actions. These include maintaining high population immunity, strengthening surveillance systems, ensuring rapid response capabilities, and reinforcing public health measures at ports of entry to prevent cross-border transmission.
And this is the part most people miss: the human face of the fight. While celebrating 25 years of freedom from polio, participants also warned of the risks posed by declining global development assistance, competing health priorities, and pandemic-related fatigue. Dr. Nimfa Putong, a physician and polio survivor from the Philippines, delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with the gathering.
“I know the impact of polio firsthand,” she said. “Our region’s success proves that dedication, compassion, and teamwork can achieve the impossible. But our work is not done until every child, everywhere, is protected.”
Her testimony underscores the human cost of complacency and the moral obligation to continue the fight. It’s a reminder that polio eradication is not just a public health goal but a humanitarian imperative.
The Western Pacific’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for the global eradication effort. However, it also underscores a shared responsibility: until the virus is eradicated everywhere, no region can truly rest.
As we move closer to a polio-free world, let’s draw inspiration from the Western Pacific’s legacy of leadership, community engagement, and scientific excellence. The fight against polio is a global endeavor, and together, we can make the impossible, possible.