Polio Threat Persists for Children Globally as UNICEF Urges Urgent Action on World Polio Day

“The continued spread of polio is not just a risk for children in conflict zones but threatens neighboring regions as well,” said Russell.

A recent UNICEF analysis reveals that of the 541 children affected by polio globally in 2023, a staggering 85 percent are located in fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable countries. On World Polio Day, UNICEF warns that the spread of polio, primarily impacting children in 31 precarious countries, is worsening as healthcare systems face the strain, immunization rates decline, and routine vaccinations fall to just 70 percent—well below the 95 percent needed to achieve community immunity.

“This resurgence of polio represents a call to action. In conflict zones, children not only face violence but are increasingly at risk of preventable diseases,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. She emphasized the harsh reality that breakdowns in healthcare, sanitation infrastructure, and family displacement are intensifying polio's grip in regions struggling to maintain consistent immunization.

Conflict-affected areas like Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen are seeing the return of polio, sometimes after years of being polio-free. UNICEF, along with partners, has initiated emergency vaccination drives in areas experiencing severe outbreaks. In Gaza, UNICEF and WHO vaccinated nearly 600,000 children under ten during the initial phase of a recent campaign, although renewed bombings have delayed efforts in northern regions. Similarly, in Sudan, vaccination coverage dropped from 85 percent before the conflict to just 30 percent in active war zones, prompting UNICEF to conduct emergency campaigns reaching 2.9 million children under five.

UNICEF’s Call to Action

With a focus on safeguarding vulnerable populations, UNICEF calls for global support to:

Prioritize full immunization for children in high-risk zones, particularly in regions across Africa and parts of Asia where coverage remains low.

Bolster immunization systems to ensure delivery of essential vaccines to all children, especially in fragile states.

Safeguard humanitarian workers administering vaccines, ensuring respect for humanitarian pauses essential for campaign success.

Increase funding for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Gavi to contain outbreaks and maintain momentum.

Elevate polio eradication on global political agendas to ensure long-term success through innovative, well-coordinated immunization campaigns.

“The continued spread of polio is not just a risk for children in conflict zones but threatens neighboring regions as well,” said Russell. “We are close to a global breakthrough, but the most difficult part lies ahead. Now is the time to act decisively so that every child, in every corner of the world, remains safe from polio.”