World Polio Day – October 24 – Current Updates (October, 2024)

October 25, 2024

World Polio Day is observed on October 24 every year. It aims to raise awareness about the fight against poliomyelitis. This day was established by Rotary International in honor of Dr Jonas Salk. He developed the first successful polio vaccine. The day serves to highlight ongoing efforts by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), founded in 1988. This initiative has reduced polio cases worldwide by 99 percent.

About Polio

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a serious infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It mainly affects children under the age of 5. The virus can lead to paralysis and, in severe cases, death. Vaccination is crucial to prevent the disease and protect vulnerable populations.

Global Vaccination Efforts

Thanks to extensive vaccination campaigns, five out of six World Health Organization (WHO) regions are now free from the wild poliovirus. This represents over 90% of the world’s population. However, polio still exists in two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. As of August 2024, Pakistan reported 16 poliovirus cases, while Afghanistan reported 14 cases by July.

The Role of Health Workers

World Polio Day emphasizes the importance of vaccinating every child, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Health workers, community leaders, and volunteers are vital in this global effort. They are honored on this day for their dedication and selfless service.

Call to Action

The day is not just a celebration of progress; it is also a call to action. The “Let’s #EndPolio” movement marks the need for high vaccination coverage. This is essential to prevent any resurgence of the disease. Continued global coordination and support are crucial for achieving complete eradication.

Milestones in Polio Eradication

World Polio Day 2024 marks an important milestone. It celebrates 30 years since the Americas were declared polio-free. This achievement underscores the power of vaccines and collective global efforts. Maintaining polio-free regions requires ongoing commitment from all stakeholders.

The ultimate goal is the complete eradication of polio. This requires sustained vaccination efforts and public awareness. The fight against polio is ongoing, and every effort counts. The global community must remain vigilant and proactive to ensure a polio-free future for all children.

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