Economic Benefits of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative Estimated at US$40-50 Billion | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

BOSTON--A new study released today estimates that the global initiative to eradicate polio could provide net benefits of at least US$40-50 billion if transmission of wild polioviruses is interrupted within the next five years. The study provides the first rigorous evaluation of the benefits and costs of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)—the single largest project ever undertaken by the global health community. The study comes at a crucial time—following an outbreak in the Republic of the Congo and one in Tajikistan earlier this year—that highlight the risk of delays in finishing the job on polio.

Published in the journal Vaccine, the study, "Economic Analysis of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative," considers investments made since the GPEI was formed in 1988 and those anticipated through 2035. Over this time period, the GPEI's efforts will prevent more than 8 million cases of paralytic polio in children. This translates into billions of dollars saved from reduced treatment costs and gains in productivity.

To read the full release, visit the EurekAlert! web site.