Polio, the deadly viral disease that was once the leading cause of paralysis among children worldwide, is close to being eradicated. Polio would be only the second disease ever eradicated. Since 1988, the number of children affected by polio has reduced by 99 percent. But pervasive challenges make this stage the most difficult yet. Two remaining countries exist with endemic polio cases, Pakistan and Afghanistan, both of which ranked highly in 2021 for countries most affected by recent extreme weather events. The climate crisis unfolding today risks reversing centuries of progress for humanity, and its threat to health cannot be ignored in the pursuit of a polio-free world. Women’s participation at all stages of the decision-making process is also critical to its eradication - from risk assessment to the implementation of adaptative solutions at the local level, where vaccines and other goods travel the last mile from the health facilities to children. Thus, polio sits at the nexus of climate, gender and healthcare.

This session will delve into the key strategies and roles of multilateral organizations in adapting to and mitigating these impacts to continue to reach all children with life-saving polio vaccines and sustain global health victories.

Unicef USA is a 2024 Concordia Annual Summit Lead Programming Partner.