Remarkable Progress Worldwide

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under five years of age. The virus spreads mainly through faecal contamination, multiplies in the intestines and can invade the nervous system, causing permanent paralysis. Most infections are asymptomatic or cause only mild illness, but approximately one in 200 infections results in irreversible paralysis. Among those who become paralyzed, 5–10% die due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles. There is no cure for polio, but the disease can be prevented through vaccination.

In 1988, a global initiative to eradicate polio (the Global Polio Eradication Initiative) was launched, led by organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International and UNICEF. At that time, an estimated 350,000 people were paralyzed by the disease each year in more than 125 countries.

Since then, cases caused by wild poliovirus have declined by more than 99.9%. Endemic transmission now persists in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 48 cases caused by wild poliovirus had been reported in these countries in 2026, as of 20 October.

Challenges Remain

Despite this progress, the threat has not disappeared. In addition to wild poliovirus, outbreaks have occurred due to variants that have evolved from the weakened viruses used in the oral polio vaccine (OPV), which has never been used in Iceland. These vaccine-derived polioviruses can spread among unvaccinated populations and cause paralysis. In recent years, they have caused outbreaks in several countries, particularly in Africa, and have also been detected in wastewater in Europe.

The WHO European Region was certified free of indigenous wild poliovirus transmission in 2002 and has maintained this status ever since. However, a WHO report published in July 2026 emphasises the continued need to maintain high vaccination coverage, effective surveillance and preparedness for possible importation of the virus. Particular concern remains for countries with insufficient vaccination coverage.

Seventy Years Since Polio Vaccination Began in Iceland

Polio was once a serious public health problem in Iceland. The first major epidemic occurred in 1924, followed by several others, the last in 1955. Vaccination began in 1956, and the last indigenous cases were detected in 1960. The most recent case diagnosed in Iceland was imported in 1963.

Since the introduction of polio vaccination, Iceland has exclusively used inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). This vaccine provides very good protection against severe disease and paralysis. Maintaining high participation in the national childhood vaccination programme is essential.

In the latest WHO risk assessment for Europe, Iceland is classified as being at low risk of sustained poliovirus transmission in the event of importation. Both surveillance and population immunity are assessed as good. This achievement reflects decades of successful vaccination efforts and a strong healthcare system.

A Shared Goal of Eradication

The history of polio demonstrates what can be achieved through vaccination, scientific advances and international cooperation. However, as long as the virus continues to circulate anywhere in the world, there is a risk of its spread to other countries.

The Chief Epidemiologist encourages parents and guardians to ensure that their children receive vaccinations according to the Icelandic national immunization schedule. Maintaining effective surveillance and international cooperation is equally important.

The goal is within reach, but the fight will not be over until polio has been eradicated everywhere in the world.

Chief Epidemiologist

Further Information

• World Health Organization (WHO): Poliomyelitis

• Global Polio Eradication Initiative: Latest Updates

• WHO Europe: Report on Polio Eradication, 2026

• Rotary International: World Polio Day