This debate was organized at the Epidemiology Department of the National School of Public Health (Brazil) and took place on June 28, 1989. The main reasons and factors which led the World Health Assembly Resolution to eradicate poliomyelitis from the globe were discussed. First, it was discussed the tremendous decline in roparalytic cases due to wild poliovirus infections as a result of the immunization coverage acceleration in the Americas through the national immunization days strategy as complementary to routine immunizations. Second, epidemiological surveillance improvements in the OPV and in the social mobilization methods were considered to be key factors for the eradication to be achieved. Third, it was also discussed the impacts of immunizations on the nutritional status of children in some Brazilian areas. The discussion also considered the situation of the EPI and the perspectives for polio eradication in various regions of the globe. The main issues raised at the debate were discussed under the lights of the experience learned from the global smallpox eradication program. Finally, a discussion was held on the importance of disease eradication and its impacts on people's health conditions.