The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is the largest public health initiative aimed at eradicating polio. In 1988 the World Health Assembly passed a resolution to eradicate polio and launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. In October 1988, the resolution was adopted by the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean for implementation in the Region.

The Initiative is a partnership between national governments and spearheading partners, namely, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, and Rotary International. Other important partners have also joined the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, including regional partners.