The global fight against polio faces significant setbacks as US funding cuts, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, threaten to delay eradication efforts, a senior World Health Organization (WHO) official has warned.
The United States’ withdrawal from WHO has severely impacted polio programs, particularly collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recently, Unicef’s polio grant was terminated after the State Department slashed 90% of USAID grants worldwide under President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ policy.
Funding Shortfall and Its Impact
- The WHO’s polio eradication program is missing $133 million in expected US funding this year.
- The funding crisis jeopardizes personnel and surveillance efforts in polio-endemic regions.
- Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries where wild poliovirus continues to spread.
- Delays in eradication efforts could result in more children being paralyzed and drive higher long-term costs.
Global Response and Alternative Funding
- WHO and its partners are seeking alternative funding sources to sustain critical operations.
- Saudi Arabia recently contributed $500 million to support polio eradication efforts.
- The Gates Foundation reaffirmed its commitment but acknowledged it cannot fully replace lost US funding.
With the global polio program already facing a $2.4 billion funding gap until 2029, experts warn that without urgent financial intervention, polio eradication could face indefinite delays.
