Polio

31.10.2025

1. Polio

Context

India has intensified surveillance and preventive measures following a surge in polio cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the only two countries where the virus remains endemic.

India’s Polio Eradication Journey

India reported its last polio case on January 13, 2011, in Howrah, West Bengal, and was declared polio-free in 2014 after three years with zero cases.

Key Programmes:

• Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme (1995 onwards): Large-scale mass vaccination.
   
• Mission Indradhanush: Expanded full immunisation coverage.
   
• National Polio Surveillance Project: Rapid detection and response to potential cases.
   

India’s achievement resulted from door-to-door vaccination, community participation, and coordination between the government, WHO, UNICEF, and Rotary International. Continuous monitoring and rapid response remain essential to sustain the polio-free status.

Current Situation and Regional Risks (2025)

• In 2025, Pakistan and Afghanistan together reported 36 confirmed cases, 17 in Pakistan, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. Persistent outbreaks stem from poor vaccination coverage, conflict zones, and vaccine hesitancy.
• Cross-border movements, refugee flows, and trade increase India’s exposure risk. WHO has warned that the spread of vaccine-derived poliovirus could threaten areas with incomplete immunisation. In India, nearly nine lakh children remain unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, creating possible immunity gaps.

Challenges Ahead

• Maintaining Surveillance: Scaling down the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN) may weaken early detection and response capabilities, reversing years of progress.
• Vaccine Hesitancy: Misinformation and lack of trust continue among marginalised and migrant communities.
• Cross-Border Threats: Open borders and regional migration heighten the risk of imported poliovirus.
• Sustaining Focus and Funding: Other health priorities such as non-communicable diseases and post-pandemic effects threaten to divert resources and attention.

Government Response and Global Coordination

• The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has directed states, especially border regions in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir—to strengthen surveillance and vaccination. Under Mission Indradhanush, routine immunisation drives target all unvaccinated children.
• Environmental surveillance through sewage sampling is ongoing in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Patna to detect viral traces.
• Internationally, India continues collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and Rotary International under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Cross-border vaccination and regional workshops aim to prevent transmission through coordinated campaigns.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Immunisation: Ensure full OPV and IPV coverage, focusing on migrant and underserved populations.
   
• Sustain Surveillance: Maintain and modernise the NPSN for early detection of any imported or derived strain.
   
• Combat Misinformation: Use culturally sensitive campaigns and local community leaders to boost trust.
   
• Enhance Cross-Border Cooperation: Coordinate with Pakistan and Afghanistan for synchronised vaccination and shared data.
   
• Integrate Health Systems: Align polio surveillance with other disease monitoring programmes for sustainability.
   

Conclusion

More than a decade after being declared polio-free, India remains a global success in public health. However, the resurgence of polio in neighbouring countries reminds that eradication anywhere is impossible until achieved everywhere. With continued vigilance, community participation, and regional cooperation, India can protect its polio-free status and contribute to the world’s final drive toward complete eradication.