World Polio Day 2024: World Polio Day is observed every year on October 24 to raise awareness ofthe importance of eradicating polio and to ceebrate global efforts to combat the disease. The day was initiated by Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), to recognise the progress made in eradicating polio worldwide and the remaining challenges.
Despite progress in vaccination and control measures, polio continues to affect children in some areas, highlighting the need for greater vigilance and commitment in vaccination programs. These global activities typically include educational campaigns, fundraising events, and community outreach programs to promote vaccination.
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What Is Polio?
Polio, or Poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious disease that mostly affects children under the age of five. The polio virus is spread through contaminated food and water or direct contact with an infected person. While many people become infected with mild or no symptoms, teh disease can cause serious complications such as paralysis, muscle weakness, and in some cases, death. Polio primarily affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis within hours of infection.
Vaccination has reduced the number of polio cases worldwide, but the disease still persists in some areas, highlighting the importance of continued vaccination to prevent the spread the disease and to eliminate it completely.
World Polio Day 2024: History
World Polio Day is celebrated each year on October 24 to raise awareness of polio and support efforts to eradicate the disease world wide. The day commemorates the birthday of Jonas Salk, who developed the first polio vaccine in 1955. Over the years, World Polio Day has been supported by governments, organisations, and individuals to drive global campaigns to protect children and reduce the number of polio cases.
World Polio Day 2024: Significance
World Polio Day is important in the global health community because it raises awareness about polio and the urgent need for a vaccine. The day aims to educate the public about the effects of the disease, especially in children, by highlighting the paralysis and permanent disability that polio can cause. World Polio Day encourages collaboration among governments, healthcareproviders, and communities to eradicate polio worldwide, focusing on the efforts of organisations like the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.