Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” Joins Forces with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to Support Global Polio Eradication Initiative

Launched in 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is one of the most ambitious public health efforts in history, aiming to completely eliminate poliovirus worldwide. In 2013, the Polio Eradication Fund was established to bridge critical funding gaps and accelerate progress toward a polio-free world. The initiative is driven by three core goals:

• Eradicate polio globally.
• Ensure the world remains polio-free through robust surveillance and immunization systems.
• Reach every child with safe, effective polio vaccines, leaving no one behind.

In Partnership With

• This project is a joint endeavor between Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and the Gates Foundation, reflecting global collaboration and commitment to eradicating polio once and for all.

A Joint Endeavor for Global Health

• The Polio Eradication Initiative embodies the spirit of international cooperation. It combines innovative immunization campaigns, strengthened surveillance systems, and health infrastructure improvements to achieve a polio-free world. The initiative prioritizes vulnerable populations, ensuring that no child, regardless of location or circumstance, is left unprotected.

Global Reach and Continuous Support

• By supporting 78 countries and focusing on tailored, local strategies, the project has made an unprecedented impact in the fight against polio. Since 2021, efforts intensified across 30 high-risk countries, accelerating immunization campaigns to close remaining gaps and prevent virus resurgence.

• The polio eradication project officially concluded in 2024, after a 10-year partnership, marking a milestone in the global effort.
• A novel vaccine, the nOPV2-derived oral polio vaccine type 2 (cVDPV2), was developed and rolled out, significantly reducing outbreaks linked to the virus.
• India and the African continent have been officially declared polio-free, showcasing remarkable public health success.
• In 2024, a total of 23 polio cases were reported in Afghanistan and 55 in Pakistan.
• Wild poliovirus (WPV) cases dropped sharply from previous years, with only 12 cases reported worldwide, split evenly between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• Environmental surveillance detected poliovirus in 11 samples from the Gaza Strip, and one confirmed case was diagnosed in a 10-month-old child.

• In 2022 alone, over 95 million children were immunized with polio vaccines worldwide.
• In 2023, 1 billion children were immunized with polio vaccines worldwide.

Since its inception, the initiative has reduced wild poliovirus cases by over 99%, sparing millions of children from paralysis and disability. This milestone reflects the dedication of healthcare workers, volunteers, and global partners.

Although the eradication project has officially ended, continued vigilance is essential to prevent any resurgence. The collaboration between Alwaleed Philanthropies and the Gates Foundation remains steadfast in ensuring that polio is eliminated globally — securing a healthier, polio-free future for generations to come.