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Polio

In 1988, many of the 350,000 reported cases of polio were in Commonwealth countries.

Helping the world to eradicate polio

In 1988, many of the 350,000 reported cases of polio were in Commonwealth countries. Since then, the global incidence of polio has declined by more than 99 per cent and only 3 Commonwealth countries are still polio endemic.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988 to ensure that no child will ever again know the crippling effects of polio. Partners such as Commonwealth countries, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, Rotary International and UNICEF have come together under the initiative to ensure that a polio-free world is achieved in the near future.

The Commonwealth has used its good offices role to contribute to this effort by ensuring that world leaders are aware and committed to the eradication of polio. Polio elimination will save the world over $1 billion a year and result in huge humanitarian gains. The Commonwealth is contributing to this effort and ensuring that polio is made a thing of the past.