Global Polio Eradication Initiative
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a public health program launched in 1988 aimed at eliminating poliovirus worldwide. It is a partnership involving organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The initiative focuses on vaccinating children, improving surveillance, and responding to outbreaks to prevent the spread of polio.
Since its inception, the GPEI has significantly reduced polio cases by over 99%. Efforts have led to the near-eradication of the disease, with only a few countries still reporting cases. Continued vaccination and monitoring are essential to achieve complete eradication and protect future generations from polio.