Economic benefits of the global polio eradication initiative estimated at $40-50 billion
Monday, November 22, 2010 - 11:00
in Mathematics & Economics
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 yearthat highlight the risk of delays in finishing the job on polio.