Polio, a crippling disease caused by the poliovirus, once cast a long shadow over India, leaving countless children paralyzed or worse. For decades, the virus spread silently, thriving in areas with poor sanitation and limited healthcare. But thanks to the development and widespread use of the polio vaccine, combined with an extraordinary national effort, India has emerged as a global success story. As we reflect on the past decade since India was declared polio-free in 2014, it’s a moment to celebrate the power of science, determination, and community action. Let’s dive into the history of the polio vaccine, how it works, and how India turned the tide against this once-dreaded disease.
Understanding the Polio Vaccine
The polio vaccine is a medical marvel that has saved millions of lives worldwide. Developed by Dr. Jonas Salk in 1955, the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) uses killed poliovirus to stimulate immunity without causing the disease. Later, Dr. Albert Sabin introduced the oral polio vaccine (OPV) in 1961, a live attenuated vaccine administered as drops, which became a game-changer due to its ease of use and ability to provide community-wide immunity. Both vaccines target the three strains of wild poliovirus (types 1, 2, and 3), preventing the virus from infecting the nervous system and causing paralysis.
In India, the OPV became the cornerstone of the fight against polio, especially because it could be given by trained health workers in even the remotest villages. The vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus, creating a protective shield. For children, who are most vulnerable, these drops became a lifeline, administered multiple times to ensure lifelong immunity. The simplicity of OPV—two drops on the tongue—made it accessible, but the real challenge was reaching every child, no matter where they lived.
India’s Battle Against Polio
Before the vaccine’s widespread use, India accounted for over 60% of global polio cases, with thousands of children affected annually. The disease thrived in crowded, unsanitary conditions, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The launch of the Pulse Polio Immunization Program in 1995 marked a turning point. This ambitious campaign aimed to vaccinate every child under five years old, using national immunization days and house-to-house visits. Volunteers, health workers, and even celebrities joined hands to spread awareness, turning polio eradication into a people’s movement.
The government partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Rotary International, creating a robust network to track cases and deliver vaccines. Innovative strategies, like vaccinating children at railway stations and during migrations, ensured no one was left behind. The introduction of the Intensified Pulse Polio Campaign in 2012, alongside the switch to IPV in certain areas, further strengthened the effort. By 2011, India reported its last case of wild poliovirus, and on January 13, 2014, the WHO declared India polio-free—a monumental achievement.
A Decade of Success: Where Are We Now?
As of 2025, a decade after this historic milestone, India’s success in maintaining its polio-free status is nothing short of inspiring. The country has not reported a single case of wild poliovirus in over 14 years, a testament to sustained vigilance and immunization efforts. The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which includes polio vaccines, now reaches over 27 million infants annually, with coverage exceeding 90% in most regions. This high vaccination rate has created a strong herd immunity, protecting even unvaccinated individuals.
Surveillance remains key. The National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP), supported by the WHO, monitors sewage samples and acute flaccid paralysis cases to detect any resurgence. In 2022, India tackled a rare outbreak of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) in parts of Uttar Pradesh, responding swiftly with targeted vaccination drives. This proactive approach underscores India’s commitment to keeping polio at bay.
Beyond numbers, the impact is human. Children who once faced the threat of paralysis can now run, play, and dream without fear. Families in rural areas, once devastated by the disease, now see healthier futures. The economic burden of polio-related care has also decreased, freeing resources for other healthcare needs. Globally, India’s success has inspired other nations, proving that even the most challenging public health goals are achievable.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Maintaining this success isn’t without hurdles. Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and logistical challenges in conflict zones or remote areas pose risks. The shift from OPV to IPV in some regions requires careful planning to avoid gaps in immunity. Climate change and population growth could also strain sanitation systems, potentially creating conditions for poliovirus to re-emerge if vigilance wanes.
To address these, India continues to invest in healthcare infrastructure and education. The National Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat schemes ensure vaccines reach the last mile. Community engagement, with local leaders and religious figures promoting immunization, remains vital. The government’s goal is to sustain 100% immunization coverage and strengthen global polio eradication efforts, especially as wild poliovirus persists in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
A Legacy of Hope
India’s journey with the polio vaccine is a story of resilience and collaboration. From a nation once labeled a polio epicenter to a model for eradication, the past decade has shown what’s possible when science and society unite. As we look forward, the focus must remain on sustaining this victory, ensuring every child is protected, and sharing India’s expertise with the world. Polio may be history in India, but the lessons learned will shape a healthier future for generations to come. Let’s celebrate this triumph and keep the momentum going!