When was the WHO’s polio program originally launched?

The World Health Organization's polio program was originally launched in 1988. This initiative aimed to eradicate poliomyelitis, a disease that has significant health implications, particularly for children. The launch year marks a pivotal moment in global health history, as it spurred a coordinated international response to the polio epidemic, leveraging vaccination campaigns and widespread public health strategies.

The choice of 1988 is particularly significant, as it reflects a time when polio was still endemic in many parts of the world, contributing to hundreds of thousands of cases each year. The program set a goal to eradicate the disease through mass immunization, establishing partnerships with various organizations and governments, which has led to the dramatic decline in polio cases worldwide. By emphasizing vaccination and community outreach, this initiative has improved public health systems in many countries and provided a model for future eradication efforts against other diseases.