Empowering Africa's Surveillance Labs to Accelerate Polio Eradication

As the term of the WHO Regional Director for Africa approaches its end, reflection on the region’s progress against polio highlights both challenges and remarkable achievements. The fight against this crippling disease has persisted through resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication, especially in the face of obstacles such as conflicts, healthcare resource limitations, and vaccine misinformation.

Despite these hurdles, significant milestones have been reached, including the certification of the African continent as free of wild poliovirus in 2020 and swift responses to vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks. Nonetheless, Pakistan and Nigeria remain critical battlegrounds; Nigeria, for instance, reported 32 confirmed polio cases in 2025 across ten states, underscoring the persistent threat and the importance of continuous vigilance.

The spread of poliovirus from Nigeria has reached neighboring regions and even parts of Europe, exemplifying that as long as the virus exists anywhere, global eradication remains elusive. The journey reveals that stronger health systems, better surveillance, community engagement, and innovative outbreak responses are vital for progress.

Supporting Africa’s immunity infrastructure, the WHO emphasizes establishing and accrediting new national laboratories across the continent. These labs aim to detect poliovirus swiftly and accurately, enhancing the capability to respond effectively and also bolstering overall health security.

Frontline workers—vaccinators, community mobilizers, and health officials—are the backbone of this mission. Their tireless efforts in difficult conditions help restore trust and drive the final push toward eradication. Partnership initiatives are evolving, with plans to reinforce outbreak responses in regions like Lake Chad, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa, emphasizing cross-border collaboration.

As global health priorities expand and financial supports diminish, Africa’s path forward depends on increased efficiency, regional solidarity, and sustainable investments in health systems. Recent successes like Madagascar's recovery from recurring polio outbreaks demonstrate the impact of strong leadership, tailored community campaigns, and effective surveillance.

In conclusion, maintaining focus, agility, and people-centered strategies are essential. The future of a polio-free world relies on unwavering commitment, leadership, and collective effort. Africa’s health sector must seize this moment to solidify gains and lay the groundwork for lasting public health improvements, ensuring that the legacy of polio eradication extends beyond disease elimination to a healthier, more resilient continent.