Polio Eradication

The problem

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease. It is caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis. (source: CDC)

Progress

Polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350 000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries then, to 37 reported cases in 2016.

The finish line is in sight

As of August 9, 2017, there have been only 8 cases of wild polio virus reported in two endemic countries (Pakistan and Afghanistan).  Rotary International along with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have pledged $450 million to end polio.  We are "this close".
A throwback video from 2014 featuring U2's Bono.