World Polio Day: A Commitment to Eradication

Poliomyelitis, has been a highly infectious viral disease that can cause paralysis in a matter of hours and it primarily affects children under five years. Despite significant progress in the fight against polio, the disease remains a public health concern in some parts of the world. World Health Assembly committed to eradicate this life-threatening disease in the year 1988. Since then  every year on October 24, the global community comes together to observe World Polio Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle against Poliomyelitis. World Polio Day not only raises awareness but also underscores the importance of continued efforts towards eradication.

Polio has a long and troubling history, with outbreaks documented for centuries. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that the disease became a major public health crisis. The introduction of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk in the 1950s marked a turning point in the fight against this debilitating disease. The vaccine significantly reduced polio cases in many countries, leading to widespread immunisation efforts.

World Polio Day was established to honour the birth of Dr. Jonas Salk and to promote awareness about the disease and the importance of vaccination. The day serves multiple purposes:

1. Awareness: It highlights the ongoing need for vaccinations and the importance of reaching every child with the polio vaccine.
2. Education: Various organisations and health agencies use this day to educate the public about polio, its effects, and the significance of maintaining high immunization coverage.
3. Advocacy: World Polio Day brings together governments, NGOs, and health organisations to advocate for policies and funding necessary to eliminate polio globally.
4. Community Engagement: Events and campaigns on this day encourage communities to participate in vaccination drives and support public health initiatives.

 Current Status of Polio Eradication progress has been commendable. As of now, the global fight against polio has made remarkable progress. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have reported a drastic reduction in polio cases since the 1980s. World Health Organization (WHO) declared India as “POLIO FREE COUNTRY” in 2014. The last case of wild poliovirus in India was reported in 2011. On 13 January 2023, India completes 12 polio-free years – a remarkable achievement that was made as a result of consistent, determined efforts and genuine commitment at all levels. Also in 2020, the WHO declared the African region free of wild poliovirus, a monumental achievement.

However, challenges remain. Political instability, misinformation about vaccines, and logistical hurdles in reaching remote areas pose significant threats to eradication efforts. Additionally, vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks highlight the need for consistent vaccination coverage.

 Everyone can play a role in the fight against polio. The least we can do is encouraging friends and family to ensure their children are vaccinated against polio and other preventable diseases. Almost everyone, even in rural areas nowadays active on Social media. We can use social media to raise awareness about World Polio Day and the importance of vaccination.

 India takes several measures to maintain polio-free status, including:

• Polio campaigns: India conducts polio campaigns annually to maintain population immunity.
• Vaccination: India vaccinates international travelers to and from countries where polio is present, and continues to vaccinate at international borders.
• Surveillance: India monitors for polio through Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance in humans and the environment. 

World Polio Day serves as a reminder of how far we have come in the fight against polio and the work still needed to eradicate it completely. With collective effort and unwavering commitment, we can ensure that future generations live in a polio-free world. On this day, let’s recommit ourselves to this vital cause and work together to finish the job.

@Sanchita Roychowdhury

Head - P.R & Digitisation

GOPSAI AVINANDAN SANGHA

Editor