Sufficient evidence shows that the national infrastructure built up for polio is an investment in the future. In the early days, many people worried that the resources and efforts directed at the polio-eradication initiative would provide no other public health benefits. Experience proves otherwise. During National Immunization Days, many health services were delivered, including immunization against tetanus and diphtheria and the provision of Vitamin A supplements.

Countries that were able to mount successful National Immunization Days have also seen marked improvements in their routine immunization coverage. People who worked on the polio-eradication campaign gained confidence in their abilities and learned new skills that they can apply to other public health areas. Surveillance for AFP is a robust system and is already being extended to include other communicable diseases like measles and neonatal tetanus.

According to Dr Omi, the success of the polio campaign has helped many people become better public health advocates, lobbying their governments more intensely to put health first.

The Region’s health structures to combat polio include a network of laboratory facilities, improved communications and planning in immunization campaigns, better equipment, and trained personnel. These will be effective tools in meeting other public health challenges such as measles, tuberculosis, and neonatal tetanus.

Cost-savings from the global eradication of polio will be enormous. Eventually, an estimated US$ 1.5 billion will be saved every year on vaccines, staff, equipment, and rehabilitation and treatment of polio victims. These resources can be applied to any number of public health issues with the same vigour and commitment as the polio eradication effort. But the real winners will be the children of the Region, and eventually all children worldwide.