World Polio Day

World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24th, serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing global fight against poliomyelitis (polio). This day, commemorating the birthday of Jonas Salk, developer of the first effective polio vaccine, is a platform to raise awareness, celebrate progress, and mobilize resources towards a polio-free future.

About Polio

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under 5 years of age. The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (e.g. contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. World Health Assembly committed to eradicate polio in 1988.

There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life. There are two vaccines available: oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine.

Facts on Polio

• Polio (poliomyelitis) mainly affects children under 5 years of age.
• One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis. Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.
• Cases due to wild poliovirus have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350 000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries, to just two endemic countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan).
• As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio. Failure to eradicate polio from these last remaining strongholds could result in a global resurgence of the disease.
• In most countries, the global effort has expanded capacities to tackle other infectious diseases by building effective surveillance and immunization systems.

Polio eradication status in the world

In 1994, the WHO Region of the Americas was certified polio-free, followed by the WHO Western Pacific Region in 2000 and the WHO European Region in June 2002. On 27 March 2014, the WHO South-East Asia Region was certified polio-free, meaning that transmission of wild poliovirus has been interrupted in this bloc of 11 countries stretching from Indonesia to India. In 2020, Africa became the fifth region to be certified wild poliovirus-free.

World Polio Day - The Multifaceted Purpose: More Than Just Awareness

World Polio Day's impact extends beyond simply raising awareness. It serves several crucial functions:

• Highlighting the Continued Threat: While significant progress has been made, polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The day underscores the urgency of continued efforts and the risk of resurgence in under-vaccinated populations.
• Celebrating Victories: The day acknowledges the remarkable progress achieved in reducing global polio cases by over 99%. It's a celebration of the dedication of healthcare workers, volunteers, and organizations at the forefront of this battle.
• Mobilizing Resources: World Polio Day serves as a critical fundraising opportunity for organizations working on polio eradication, ensuring the necessary resources for vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and research.
• Advocating for Continued Support: The day reinforces the need for continued political and financial commitment from governments and global partners to sustain eradication efforts.

The Challenges Ahead: Maintaining Momentum

Despite significant progress, the fight against polio faces ongoing challenges:

• Reaching Every Child: Ensuring every child receives the polio vaccine, especially in conflict zones and remote areas, requires innovative strategies and persistent effort.
• Combating Misinformation: Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation is crucial to maintaining high vaccination rates and preventing resurgence.
• Strengthening Surveillance: Robust surveillance systems are essential for rapid detection and response to any polio cases, preventing outbreaks from spreading.
• Securing Sustainable Funding: Consistent financial support is vital to maintain momentum and ensure the long-term success of eradication efforts.

By understanding the significance of World Polio Day and the challenges that remain, we can collectively contribute to a future where polio is eradicated and every child has the chance to live a healthy life.

India's efforts in Polio eradication