Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners pay tribute to Sebastião Salgado, the legendary Brazilian photographer whose work illuminated the fight against polio. Salgado sadly passed away last week at the age of 81. Through his powerful imagery, he documented not only the devastating effects of polio but also the relentless efforts of health workers and communities striving to create a world free of the disease.
His contributions to projects such as The End of Polio and The Art of Saving a Life showcased the resilience and determination of those on the frontlines. More than just images, his photographs told a story of hope, action, and the unwavering commitment to eradication.
Through his signature black-and-white compositions, Salgado made visible what was often overlooked – the human stories behind public health campaigns. He understood that the fight against polio was not just about vaccines but about people: paralyzed children navigating their daily lives with remarkable strength, families seeking protection for their children, health workers travelling miles each day to reach every child, and communities rallying together to make vaccination possible.
“Salgado’s work told the human story behind the statistics, ensuring the world saw the faces of those most affected by polio,” said Martin Eisenhawer, a scientist in WHO headquarters’ polio eradication department and an award-winning nature photographer. “His work didn’t just document – it really demanded attention. His visual language combining aesthetics with emotion simply gets under your skin. Polio could not have had a better visual ambassador,” he added.
Gustavo Monasterios, a technical officer within the same department specializing in outbreak response, and a dedicated photography aficionado, echoed the sentiment. “Photography has the power to shape narratives, and Salgado understood that better than anyone. His lens showed the fight against polio but also made people feel its urgency.”
Salgado’s legacy reminds us that visual storytelling has the power to shape action and drive change. His work – spanning a vast range of human experiences – continues to inspire, highlighting the dignity, resilience, and struggles of people across the world. Whether documenting the fight against polio, the displacement of communities, or the beauty of untouched landscapes, his images served as a powerful testament to the human condition.
GPEI remembers and thanks him.
