The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) continues its mission to eliminate polio worldwide. As of May 14, 2025, the following developments have been reported:

Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1):

• Pakistan: Eleven WPV1-positive environmental samples were detected in April across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh provinces. While no new WPV1 cases were reported this week, Pakistan has recorded eight cases in 2025, with a total of 74 cases in 2024. Polio Eradication+2Polio Eradication+2Wikipedia+2

Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2):

• Algeria: Three cVDPV2-positive environmental samples were identified in April from Tamanghasset, El Oued, and Ouargla.Polio Eradication+4Polio Eradication+4Wikipedia+4

• Burkina Faso: Reported its first cVDPV2 case since 2023, with paralysis onset on March 30 in Fada.Polio Eradication

• Chad: Detected one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample in March from N'Djamena.Polio Eradication+10Polio Eradication+10Wikipedia+10

• Côte d’Ivoire: Confirmed a cVDPV2 case from July 31, 2024, in Nawa.Polio Eradication

• Ethiopia: Reported five cVDPV2 cases with paralysis onset in February, from Oromiya, Tigray, and SNNP regions.Polio Eradication

• Somalia: Identified one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample in April from Bay.Polio Eradication+9Polio Eradication+9Wikipedia+9

• Sudan: Reported two cVDPV2 cases with paralysis onset on October 27, 2024, and January 1, 2025, from Central Darfur and West Darfur, respectively.Polio Eradication+1Wikipedia+1

Global Perspective:

Since 1988, global efforts have reduced wild poliovirus cases by over 99%, from an estimated 350,000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries to 12 reported cases in 2023. However, the presence of vaccine-derived poliovirus in various regions underscores the importance of maintaining high immunization coverage and vigilant surveillance.Polio Eradication

Rotary's Role:

Rotary International has been instrumental in the fight against polio, contributing over $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. The South Tyler Rotary Club remains committed to this cause, supporting initiatives that aim to eradicate polio and protect future generations.

For more detailed information and weekly updates, visit the GPEI Polio This Week page.