World Polio Day 2026 — Make Polio History

World Polio Day
24 October 2026

Polio eradication is within reach. We must step up our efforts—not step back—to deliver on our promise of a polio-free world.

This World Polio Day, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) recognizes the health workers, communities, donors and leaders going above and beyond to reach every child with polio vaccines.

Join us by sharing the content below across your social media channels and calling for sustained commitment until we finish the job.

Celebrate World Polio Day with us!

Spotlight our polio eradication champions

Polio paralyzed @Ramesh Ferris as a baby. The polio vaccine existed, but it was out of reach for his family in India. For more than 20 years, he’s urged the world to finish the job so every child can grow up polio-free. Read his story this #WorldPolioDay. #EndPolio

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When in doubt, show up.

When wild polio cases were on the rise in northern Nigeria, @Rotary International @President Yinka Babalola was warned not to go because of the security risks. He showed up anyway to help end wild polio. Having lived in the region, he knew that progress against polio began with building community trust.

His work—and that of health leaders and communities globally—doesn’t end here. Learn more[YouTube link or downloadable video] #WorldPolioDay #EndPolio

Kids today may not remember polio, but their grandparents likely do.

That’s why @Rotary‘s Dr. Arthur Lavin, founder of @Grandparents for Vaccines, is collecting their stories. Grandparents’ memories teach younger generations what life was like before vaccines protected children from polio, and remind families why vaccines still matter today. #EndPolio [Article link]

A polio-free world for every child is possible.

This #WorldPolioDay, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo calls on governments and donors to sustain commitment and funding to end polio and protect children’s right to health. [Downloadable video coming soon]

Celebrate progress towards a polio-free future

Another step closer to eradicating polio!

In August 2026, polio outbreaks were declared closed in Burundi, Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and Uganda.

Youth advocate Noella explains how collective action – from governments to young people – made this possible.

With enough commitment and investment, we can #EndPolio, one country at a time. #WorldPolioDay [Downloadable video]

Honor the parents behind every vaccinated child

“For me, vaccination represents a promise of health and fulfillment to children.”

Djeneba shares a moment of joy with her daughter, Aïssata, 8 months, who just got vaccinated against polio in Mali.

Aïssata is one of the many children reached during a nationwide vaccination campaign to #EndPolio.

After the virus was detected in 2023 – with new cases as recently as April 2026 – the government, health workers, parents, UNICEF and partners are working together to protect the health of every child.

#WorldPolioDay [Downloadable graphic link]

Elevate the Impact of the Team End Polio Strava Challenge

100,000 people, 140 million minutes of movement, 30 days. Each minute in honor of the push to protect every last child against polio. Thank you to everyone who participated in the #TeamEndPolio Challenge on Strava. You’re officially part of the movement to #EndPolio. [Downloadable video]