From global epicentre to zero cases: India marks 15 years of polio elimination

India on Tuesday marked a major public health milestone, completing 15 years without a single case of wild poliovirus , a transformation that experts describe as one of the most remarkable disease-elimination efforts in modern history.

In 2009, India was the worst-affected country globally , reporting 741 polio cases and accounting for nearly 60 per cent of the world’s burden . The disease thrived amid formidable challenges a vast population, poor sanitation, high population mobility and remote, hard-to-reach communities. Yet, through decisive and large-scale action, the country succeeded in interrupting transmission in under two years, with the last polio case reported in 2011 .

The turnaround was driven by drastic but meticulously executed measures . India launched one of the largest immunisation campaigns ever undertaken, administering nearly 100 crore doses of oral polio vaccine annually and repeatedly vaccinating over 17 crore children . Health workers fanned out across cities and villages, visiting homes, railway stations, construction sites and transit points to ensure that no child was missed , including those from migrant and nomadic families.

Frontline workers played a crucial role in building community trust and countering misinformation, often working in difficult conditions. Their efforts were reinforced by strong political commitment, sustained funding, inter-state coordination and rigorous monitoring. The use of technology platforms such as U-WIN, e-VIN and Safevac further strengthened vaccine tracking, cold-chain management and safety surveillance.

Fifteen years on, India has not only sustained its polio-free status but also leveraged the infrastructure built for polio eradication to strengthen its broader health system. Routine immunisation coverage has risen to over 93 per cent , supported by robust disease surveillance and contact-tracing mechanisms.

As the wild poliovirus remains endemic in only two countries, India is now contributing to the global eradication effort, including through vaccine manufacturing and technical support. Experts caution against complacency, stressing that continued high immunisation coverage remains essential.

India’s polio success, health officials say, stands as proof that bold action, when matched with effective execution and community participation, can overcome even the toughest public health challenges .