Polio: 99.9% Defeated. What Will It Take to End It for Good?

Polio: 99.9% Defeated. What Will It Take to End It for Good?

From Science in 5 by WHO - World Health Organization

January 16, 2026 · 6 min · Season 1 · Episode 146

About this episode

This episode discusses the near eradication of polio and the importance of continued global efforts to eliminate the disease completely.

Polio once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children every year, striking fear into families across the world. Thanks to global vaccination efforts, cases have fallen by 99.9% since 1988. But polio is not gone yet. In this episode of Science in 5 , we speak with Dr. Jamal Ahmad about why polio eradication still matters, how close the world truly is to ending this disease forever, and what's at stake if we don't finish the job. Polio spreads easily, respects no borders, and remains a threat as long as it exists anywhere. With only a few cases left in two countries, the tools, knowledge, and partnerships are stronger than ever—but sustained political commitment and global cooperation are essential. Ending polio would mean no child is ever paralyzed by this disease again—and billions saved for health systems worldwide. Make sure you and your family are vaccinated Call on governments to keep supporting eradication Get involved through partners like Rotary Because eradication is all or nothing—and we are closer than ever.

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Jamal Ahmad

Topics covered

  • polio
  • vaccination
  • global health
  • disease eradication
  • public health
  • political commitment

Keywords

  • polio
  • vaccination
  • eradication
  • global cooperation
  • health systems
  • disease threat

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: WHO - World Health Organization, Rotary

Places: two countries

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