The Global Polio Eradication Initiative—polio eradication cannot be the only goal

Polio has killed and disabled millions. It was therefore with considerable excitement that the Global Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a public–private partnership, announced US$5·1 billion campaign to achieve polio-free world by 2025.1The InitiativeWho we are.https://polioeradication.org/who-we-are/Date accessed: June 23, 2021Google Scholar The GPEI been in forefront of polio eradication efforts for three decades, its achievements have played central role an outstanding public health campaign, helping reduce number people infected 99%—from 350 000 annual cases 125 countries 1988, 138 two endemically 2018.2WHOPoliomyelitis.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/poliomyelitisDate Yet vaccination campaigns also met controversy. On 15, 2021, five workers were Afghanistan.3Radio PakistanFive Afghanistan.https://www.radio.gov.pk/15-06-2021/four-polio-vaccination-workers-kill-in-separate-attack-in-afghanistanDate: 2021Date 22, COVID-19 pandemic disrupted campaigns, 30 suspending their immunisation 6 months 2020 rerouting expertise campaigns. result is numbers, although small compared numbers late 1980s, are again on rise, 1226 2020. admirable; however, believe another concern must be built into this global effort. As many as 20 million worldwide live disabling consequences polio. In high-income countries, where became universal 1950s 1960s, most living polio-related disability now aged 60 years or older. low-income middle-income did not reach until 1980s later, hundreds thousands still children young adults. Presumably, over past year infants toddlers. Moreover, time GPEI's eliminate began who unvaccinated more likely from households, difficult rural peri-urban areas, female. These adults, once disabled, less able afford adequate medical, rehabilitative, educational, social support.4Groce N Banks L Stein M Surviving post-polio world.Soc Sci Med. 2014; 107: 171-178Crossref PubMed Scopus (35) Google Older adults continue face range concerns related ageing, about which know little.5Gonzales H Olsson T Borg K Management syndrome.Lancet Neurol. 2010; 9: 634-642Summary Full Text PDF (111) Despite important new human rights legislative initiatives, including UN Convention Rights Persons Disabilities inclusion Sustainable Development Goals, around stigma, poverty, unequal access needed resources. our opinion, community's commitment address cannot considered complete needs those permanently part response. funding, expertise, should stop last reported. We simply declare victory turn attention elsewhere. historical while affected daily basis. battle against will won community can ensure met, resources made available enable them function fully freely societies they live—now future. no competing interests.