The 37 countries and areas in the Western Pacific Region have all played their part in polio eradication. Eight countries (Cambodia, China, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Viet Nam) reported polio cases in the early 1990s. Stopping the circulation of wild poliovirus in these countries required more than just routine childhood vaccination programmes. It needed massive immunization campaigns with oral polio vaccine and the involvement of entire communities.

People of the Region united in the fight against polio. They recognized that the disease steals the health and potential of their greatest asset: their children.

Communities also regarded immunization activities as a popular and a positive community event.

Another advantage for the campaign was the polio vaccine itself. The vaccine was administered by giving drops directly into a child's mouth, which meant that volunteers could easily give the vaccine.

Even so, complex logistical arrangements and a cold chain (i.e. a system for keeping vaccines cold) were needed to make sure vaccine was in the right place at the right time and in good condition.

Success depended heavily not only on detailed planning, but also on the hard work of the health workers and village volunteers, who carried the vaccine in cold boxes from house to house, often travelling long distance on foot.