Polio Eradication at Risk: Funding Cuts Threaten Global Effort

Funding cuts, including the U.S. withdrawal from WHO, threaten the global fight against polio. Over $133 million expected from the U.S. is missing, impacting eradication efforts in key regions. Partners are seeking alternative funding to continue campaigns, but challenges and a $2.4 billion shortfall remain.

The eradication of polio faces significant delays due to recent funding cuts by the United States, warns a senior official from the World Health Organization. Without reversal of these cuts, which could total hundreds of millions of dollars over several years, the global fight against polio hangs in balance.

Key partnerships, including those with UNICEF and the Gates Foundation, have been severely impacted by the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO. This move has halted collaboration efforts and comes with a financial blow of $133 million less than expected this year, according to Hamid Jafari, WHO's polio eradication program director for the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Despite the setbacks, efforts are being made to find alternative funding sources to keep vaccination campaigns alive in critical areas like Afghanistan and Pakistan. With a staggering $2.4 billion shortfall until 2029, global health organizations are challenged more than ever to sustain momentum in eradicating polio.

(With inputs from agencies.)