World Polio Day, observed each October 24, raises awareness of polio immunization and polio eradication around the world. The day commemorates the progress the world has made towards eradicating polio. The day highlights the efforts of frontline workers working to deliver vaccines in polio-affected countries.
World Polio Day 2022 Theme
The overarching theme for this year's World Polio Day is 'Healthy Futures for Mothers and Children. The theme calls on the world to recognize the progress made in the fight to eradicate polio and in efforts to create a healthier future for mothers. The goal is to provide mothers with a positive pregnancy experience and help their children grow up for a brighter, brighter future.
History and Significance
World Polio Day was established by Rotary International in 1985 to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, Chief Medical Investigator on the team that developed the polio vaccine. He developed his inactivated poliovirus vaccine, which was first used in 1955. It was further developed by Albert Sabin in the oral polio vaccine used in 1961. Today, polio vaccines are recommended worldwide, especially for children under the age of five, who are most susceptible.
On World Polio Day, Rotary International, WHO, and other global organizations will host several events to raise awareness of polio. Events range from gatherings, hikes, and webinars to hosting competitions in schools and clubs. No member is too small to contribute to the global fight to eradicate polio.
Polio-free India: India is more than nine years old since its last polio case:
In January 2020, it will be nine years since India's last reported case of polio.
In a country once considered the most difficult to stop, this milestone demonstrates the importance of strong surveillance systems, intensive vaccination campaigns, and targeted social mobilization efforts. But until the disease is eradicated, India must remain vigilant.
The State of Polio in the World
Since 1988, the number of polio cases has decreased by 99.9%. The African region is now also free of wild poliovirus. Only two countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) continue to report wild poliovirus.
About Polio
Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects young children (under the age of five). The virus is primarily transmitted from person to person via the fecal-oral route, but rarely via common carriers (such as contaminated water or food).
Symptoms
The first symptoms are fever, malaise, headache, vomiting, stiff neck, and body aches. One in 200 infections causes irreversible paralysis, usually in the legs. 5-10% of paralyzed people die when their respiratory muscles fail.
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