World Polio Day 2026 Highlights Persistent Vaccination Gaps Despite Americas Being Wild Poliovirus-Free for 35 Years

On World Polio Day, October 24, 2026, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) noted that while the Americas have been free of wild poliovirus for 35 years, vaccination coverage remains below the 95% target. This leaves the region vulnerable to reintroduction of the virus. Globally, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and partners reiterated their commitment to eradicating all forms of poliovirus, with Ethiopia reporting 11 cases of circulating variant poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) in 2026.