New Delhi, January 13, 2026 – Today marks a monumental achievement in India's public health history as the nation celebrates 15 years since the last reported case of wild poliovirus. This accomplishment is a testament to the country's unwavering commitment and strategic execution in eradicating a disease that once crippled and threatened millions.
India's journey to becoming polio-free is an inspiring story of turning adversity into triumph. In 2009, the nation accounted for a staggering 60% of global polio cases, with 741 reported instances. The challenges were immense, including a population exceeding one billion, widespread poverty, poor sanitation, and the difficulty of reaching remote and diverse communities. Many doubted whether polio could ever be eliminated from India.
However, through an unprecedented mobilization of resources and unwavering political will, India achieved the seemingly impossible. The last case of wild poliovirus was reported in 2011, marking a turning point in the country's fight against the disease. On March 27, 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially certified India as polio-free.
The success of India's polio eradication program can be attributed to several key factors. A massive annual mobilization ensured that approximately 100 crore doses of the polio vaccine were delivered to 17.2 crore children. This was achieved through a well-designed campaign strategy that prioritized last-mile immunization, especially among mobile and high-risk populations. Frontline health workers and community partners played a vital role in building trust and addressing vaccine hesitancy. Approximately 30,000 children were covered with the oral polio vaccine during the six-day polio activity.
The Indian government demonstrated unwavering commitment at every level, empowering district administrators to address gaps and take corrective action swiftly. A strong coalition of partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Rotary International, provided technical support and worked seamlessly across their areas of expertise. The Rotary Muslim Ulema Committee was instrumental in convincing Muslim leaders of the benefits of vaccination, greatly reducing resistance among India's Muslim population. Technology-driven platforms further strengthened these efforts.
Dr. Naveen Thacker, Executive Director of the International Paediatric Association and a recipient of the Goalkeeper Champion Award 2025, emphasized the extraordinary effort it took to reach this milestone. He noted that frontline workers built trust in every community, and the country delivered vaccines on a scale few thought possible.
India's polio-free status reflects sustained vigilance, strong health systems, and active community participation. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare continues to ensure that no child is missed by prioritizing immunization efforts. The infrastructure, manpower, resources, and knowledge gained from the polio eradication program are now being used to support the Indian government's Universal Immunization Program (UIP), which vaccinates against other diseases.
India's success in eradicating polio serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for the global community. It demonstrates that even the most challenging health goals can be achieved through unwavering commitment, strategic planning, and collaborative partnerships. As the world continues to strive towards a polio-free future, India's experience offers valuable lessons and inspires renewed efforts to eliminate this debilitating disease from every corner of the globe.
