The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has pushed back its disease eradication target from 2026 to 2027 for wild poliovirus (WPV) and 2029 for type 2 variant poliovirus.
The delay coincides with calls for additional funding as efforts to eradicate polio face obstacles in conflict-affected countries such as Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen.
The plan was originally anticipated to cost $4.8 billion for the 2022-2026 strategic period, but new projections forecast that as the time extends to 2029, the cost would rise to $6.9 billion. Donors have already pledged $4.5 billion, leaving a $2.4 billion gap.
The lack of health infrastructure in war zones is both a major driver for the outbreak of polio and a barrier to vaccine delivery.