World Polio Day 2024 is held on October 24 to raise awareness of polio eradication efforts and recognise health workers and volunteers who contribute to this global cause. Despite significant reductions in polio cases worldwide, there are still challenges to completely eradicate the disease.
World Polio Day 2024 serves as a reminder that the fight continues, especially in areas where the virus remains endemic. Continue reading to explore the history of World Polio Day, the global polio eradication initiative and the significance of the event.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Polio & It's History
- 2024 World Polio Day: The Significance of This Year's Theme
- Why Is World Polio Day Celebrated? Spreading Awareness and Inspiring Action
- How to Celebrate World Polio Day: Meaningful Ideas for Individuals and Communities
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Understanding Polio & It's History
Poliomyelitis, commonly known as Polio, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the poliovirus. Although the virus is very rare, it can be extremely dangerous. It primarily affects children under the age of five and can lead to irreversible paralysis and, in severe cases, death. The virus is spread through contaminated food and water and contact with infected individuals. Polio is particularly insidious because it can spread silently; many infected individuals show no symptoms but can still transmit the virus.
Polio eradication initiatives are critical to the global fight against polio. The largest public health campaign against polio, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), was launched in 1988. This initiative brings together organisations such as the World Health Organization, Rotary International and UNICEF to strive for a polio-free world.
India was once considered one of the most challenging countries in terms of eradicating polio. However, due to determined efforts, India successfully eradicated polio, with the last reported case in 2011 in West Bengal. The Indian government has launched many initiatives to eradicate polio, including:
1. Pulse Polio Immunization Program
This initiative involved mass vaccination campaigns where children under the age of five received oral polio vaccine.
2. Awareness Campaigns
The government has implemented extensive awareness programs to educate parents about the importance of vaccinating their children against polio and address any misconceptions.
3. House-To-House Surveys
Health workers made house-to-house visits to identify unvaccinated children and ensure every child is vaccinated, especially in remote areas.
4. Collaboration With NGOs
The Government of India is working with NGOs and GPEI to improve outreach and community mobilisation for vaccination.
Thanks to this comprehensive effort of the Indian government, India was declared polio-free in 2014, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted public health initiatives in the fight against the disease.
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What Is The Theme of Polio Day In 2024?
World Polio Day was created by Rotary International to commemorate the birthday of Jonas Salk, a medical researcher who led the first team to develop a polio vaccine. In 1955, he created an inactivated poliovirus vaccine. In 1962, Albert Sabin created an oral polio vaccine. In 1988, the World Health Assembly pledged to eradicate polio, at which time there were about 3,50,000 cases worldwide. In 2002, the WHO European Region was declared polio-free, and since then, World Polio Day has been celebrated worldwide on 24 October.
World Polio Day was established to eradicate polio worldwide and ensure a polio-free future for everyone. Its goals are to develop a high vaccination rate, establish high-quality surveillance to detect any presence of the virus and plan an outbreak response. Despite significant reductions in polio cases worldwide, there are still challenges to eradicate the disease completely.
Each year, World Polio Day is celebrated with a new theme that guides global efforts and focuses on specific challenges related to polio eradication. The theme of World Polio Day 2024 is A Global Mission to Reach Every Child, and it will be celebrated with the slogan ‘One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio’.
World Polio Day celebrations serve as a reminder that the fight continues, especially in regions where the virus remains endemic. They encourage health professionals, governments, and global organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to increase their efforts to vaccinate the hardest-to-reach populations. They also stress the importance of maintaining the progress made in polio-free areas to prevent a resurgence of the virus.
Although most of the world is now polio-free, problems persist, especially in some regions. World Polio Day promotes continued vigilance, policy-making and public health initiatives to ensure the disease does not re-emerge.
Why Is World Polio Day Celebrated? Spreading Awareness and Inspiring Action
Polio is a life-threatening disease, and its effects are permanent. Treatment can help, but there is no cure yet. People affected by this disease can lose the ability to walk for life, and in severe cases, it can completely prevent mobility. However, with strict measures and vaccination, the virus can be avoided.
World Polio Day serves as a reminder of the fight against polio. On this day, major health organisations such as Rotary International and WHO recognise dedicated individuals and groups who are contributing to the global fight against polio. This reminds people not to let the virus come back and donate money to eradicate it.
World Polio Day provides an opportunity to highlight global efforts for a polio-free world and to recognise the tireless contributions of those fighting to eradicate polio from all corners of the world. It is also marked by various events and fundraising activities organised by Rotary International and its affiliated clubs to raise public awareness of polio. World Polio Day 2024 encourages governments and other stakeholders to remain active in their efforts to ensure that the disease does not spread or return.
This day is a significant event for several reasons:
| Celebrating Progress | World Polio Day reminds us of our achievements in the fight against polio since the global vaccination effort began. |
Raising Awareness
| The day helps educate people about the risks of polio and why vaccination is still crucial. |
| Global collaboration | Ending polio requires teamwork with the support of governments, organisations and communities around the world and World Polio Day creates opportunities for such collaborations. |
| Renewed Commitment | World Polio Day encourages us to remain focused on ending polio, especially in areas where the disease remains a threat. |
How to Celebrate World Polio Day: Meaningful Ideas for Individuals and Communities
Ideas to celebrate World Polio Day 2024 are:
1. Vaccination Drives
Organise or participate in local vaccination drives to ensure that all children in your area are immunised against polio.
2. Educational Seminars
Organise a seminar or workshop to educate people about the importance of vaccination and the current status of polio eradication.
3. Social Media Campaigns
Join the movement by sharing educational posts, statistics and news about World Polio Day with the hashtag #EndPolio.
4. Fundraising Events
Host charity events such as fun runs, bake sales, or auctions to raise funds for polio eradication initiatives.
5. School Presentations
Create interactive presentations in schools that teach students about the history of polio and the importance of vaccines.
6. Community Outreach Programs
Distribute flyers and educational materials in local communities to raise polio vaccination awareness.
7. Candlelight Vigil
Hold a candlelight vigil to remember those affected by polio and honour the progress made in eradicating it.
8. Walk for Polio
Organise a walk in your city or community to show support for polio eradication efforts and encourage others to get involved.
9. Cooperation with Ministries of Health
Work with local health authorities to distribute free vaccines or provide information on polio prevention.
10. Create Posters
Design eye-catching posters that spread awareness about the importance of polio eradication.
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Expert’s Advice
As we commemorate World Polio Day 2024, it is important to remember that the fight against polio is a global effort that requires sustained commitment and collaboration. While significant progress has been made, the goal of a polio-free world is within reach. By addressing challenges, strengthening partnerships and increasing vaccination efforts, we can ensure that future generations are not threatened by polio.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
World Polio Day 2024 will remind people that although the world is close to eradicating polio, the work is not yet done. World Polio Day 2024 is a reminder of the global efforts needed to eliminate this crippling disease.
This year's campaign, "Let's #EndPolio," highlights the urgency of vaccination and ongoing public health efforts. Use this day to raise awareness, educate others and join the fight to end polio. Continued vaccination, surveillance and global cooperation are essential to ensure the complete eradication of the disease.
FAQs
1. How many times is a polio vaccination given in a year?
Polio vaccination is usually given in several doses during a child's first few years. Children typically receive the oral polio vaccine (OPV) at specific intervals, often at 0, 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with booster doses given later, usually at 15-18 months.
2. When is Polio Day in India?
Polio Day in India is celebrated on October 24 with the rest of the world to raise awareness about polio eradication efforts. It emphasises the importance of vaccination to protect children from this infectious disease.
3. Is October a polio month?
October is recognised as Polio Awareness Month, culminating in World Polio Day on October 24. During this month, various awareness campaigns and vaccination drives are organised to highlight the importance of polio vaccination and the ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease globally.
4. Which country has the highest incidence of polio?
According to the latest data, Afghanistan and Pakistan have the highest incidence of polio. Both nations continue to face challenges in eradicating the disease due to factors such as conflict, reluctance to vaccinate, and logistical difficulties in reaching all children with vaccination programs. Efforts are ongoing to overcome these obstacles and achieve complete eradication.
References
- https://www.pw.live/exams/upsc/world-polio-day/
- https://pwonlyias.com/world-polio-day-2024/
- https://www.vedantu.com/blog/world-polio-day
- https://www.pacehospital.com/world-polio-day
- https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/world-polio-day-2023-theme-history-significance-and-polio-eradication-efforts-in-india-8628266.html#goog_rewarded
- https://postive.digital/blogs/world-polio-day-2024.html
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