Global leaders pledge $1.9bn to wipe out polio despite funding shortfalls

Global leaders on Monday committed $1.9 billion to push forward polio eradication efforts, aiming to safeguard 370 million children annually even as the programme faces steep funding cuts.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)—a partnership that includes the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation—is bracing for a 30 percent budget reduction in 2026 and is currently staring at a $1.7 billion financing gap through 2029.

Much of the shortfall stems from a broader retreat in international aid, led in part by the United States’ withdrawal from the WHO, though its future contributions to polio efforts remain undecided. Major donors such as Germany and the United Kingdom have also scaled back their funding.

In response, GPEI partners intend to prioritise surveillance and vaccination in areas most vulnerable to polio transmission.

“The new support pledged in Abu Dhabi will be instrumental in helping the GPEI reach all children in the remaining endemic countries and halt variant polio outbreaks worldwide,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus.

The pledging forum, held by the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, narrows the remaining funding gap for GPEI’s 2022–2029 strategy to $440 million.

A wide range of countries and donors contributed, including $1.2 billion from the Gates Foundation and $450 million from Rotary International.