In the relentless pursuit of a world free of polio, Dr. Hamid Jafari's remarkable journey has left an indelible mark on global health. When he embarked on his career, polio was a devastating threat, paralyzing 350,000 children annually across 125 nations. Today, as he retires from his role as Director of Polio Eradication for the World Health Organization's (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region, the virus persists in only two countries, a testament to his unwavering dedication and impact. Dr. Jafari's professional path has been intricately linked with the transformation of this public health crisis.
As a trained paediatrician, Dr. Jafari joined the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in its infancy, initially collaborating with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) and later transitioning to the WHO. His assignments took him on a journey from Atlanta to New Delhi, where he directed the National Polio Surveillance Project from 2007 to 2012. During his leadership, India achieved a monumental public health feat, successfully interrupting wild poliovirus transmission and paving the way for its certification as polio-free in 2014. Concurrently, Dr. Jafari worked at the WHO headquarters from 2012 to 2016 and later returned to the CDC as Principal Deputy Director for Global Health until 2019.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, praised Dr. Jafari's career, stating, 'Dr. Hamid Jafari's career epitomizes the pinnacle of public service. His tireless efforts have brought the world to the brink of polio eradication, safeguarding generations of children from the devastating effects of paralysis.'
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, echoed this sentiment, commending Dr. Jafari's unwavering commitment and leadership. He guided teams through complex challenges with dedication and empathy, fostering trust with governments and partners, which was crucial for sustaining progress in some of the most challenging and hard-to-reach areas.
As Director of Polio Eradication in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region over the past six years, Dr. Jafari has been instrumental in addressing the final strongholds of polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan while responding to outbreaks across the region. He has navigated access restrictions, insecurity, and misinformation, championing approaches that integrated polio campaigns with broader primary health services, including partnerships with humanitarian actors for essential health interventions.
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, highlighted Dr. Jafari's commitment to community-centric approaches, stating, 'UNICEF has long valued Hamid's belief that polio eradication begins and ends with communities.' His mentorship has shaped a generation of epidemiologists and health officers worldwide, fostering a culture of data-driven leadership and active listening.
Dr. Chris Elias, President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation and Chair of the GPEI's Polio Oversight Board, expressed his admiration for Dr. Jafari's focus and sense of purpose, emphasizing that his leadership has left a lasting impact on the program and all those fortunate enough to work with him.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, underscored Dr. Jafari's broader impact, noting his advocacy for using eradication infrastructure to support routine immunisation and health system resilience. Mike McGovern, Chair of Rotary's International PolioPlus Committee, praised Dr. Jafari's deep-rooted knowledge of the region and his unwavering belief in partnership, embodying the spirit that has propelled the polio program forward.
Despite the Eastern Mediterranean Region's ongoing efforts to halt all remaining poliovirus transmission, Dr. Jafari's influence endures through the systems, relationships, and determination he helped establish at the country and regional levels. His departure serves as a passing of the torch, reminding us that completing this mission requires the same humility, commitment, and partnership support that defined his remarkable career.
As he often quoted Nelson Mandela, 'It always seems impossible until it is done, and it will be done.' The Global Polio Eradication Initiative extends its heartfelt wishes to Dr. Hamid Jafari as he embarks on a new chapter, confident that his legacy will continue to inspire and guide the fight against polio.
