What is the Global Polio Eradication Initiative?

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is a partnership, including the WHO and Gates Foundation, dedicated to eradicating polio worldwide.

Why is polio eradication facing funding cuts?

Funding cuts are largely due to a global pullback from foreign aid by major donor countries.

How much funding was pledged to fight polio?

$1.9 billion was pledged by global leaders at a recent event in Abu Dhabi.

Home / Health / Global Leaders Pledge $1.9B to Fight Polio Amid Cuts

Global Leaders Pledge $1.9B to Fight Polio Amid Cuts

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Global leaders committed $1.9 billion to accelerate polio eradication efforts.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative faces a significant funding gap.
New support aims to protect 370 million children annually from polio.

Global leaders convened to pledge $1.9 billion for polio eradication, boosting efforts to safeguard 370 million children annually. This crucial funding arrives as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative confronts significant budget cuts, projected at 30% in 2026, and a substantial funding shortfall anticipated by 2029.

The initiative's financial challenges stem partly from a global reduction in foreign aid, with notable cutbacks from key donor nations. In response, the GPEI partners are shifting focus towards enhanced surveillance and vaccination strategies in high-risk transmission zones.

The newly pledged funds, including substantial contributions from the Gates Foundation and Rotary International, will significantly reduce the remaining resource gap for the GPEI's 2022-2029 strategy. This commitment is vital for reaching the final endemic countries and combating variant polio outbreaks worldwide.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.