Each year, World Polio Day on October 24th reminds us of the ongoing global effort to eradicate polio, a preventable disease that continues to impact children in select regions. With the theme “A Global Mission to Reach Every Child,” World Polio Day 2024 highlights the need to ensure that every child, regardless of location, receives the protection of vaccination. The focus is on strengthening global commitment and expanding immunisation to eliminate polio once and for all.

Understanding polio and its impact

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting children under five years old. The virus targets the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis in severe cases. Thanks to global vaccination campaigns, the world has made remarkable progress in fighting this disease, yet the risk remains in areas with limited access to vaccines.

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Image by Rawpixel via Envato Elements

Key facts and statistics

• Global progress - According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024), since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, polio cases have decreased by over 99%. This shows the immense progress achieved through global vaccination and coordinated health efforts.
• Endemic countries - WHO and Rotary International report that, in 2024, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only countries where the wild poliovirus remains endemic. Persistent challenges in healthcare access and vaccine hesitancy limit immunisation efforts in these regions.
• Vaccination milestone - UNICEF (2024) confirms that since GPEI’s inception, over 2.5 billion children worldwide have received polio vaccines, preventing an estimated 18 million cases of paralysis. This highlights the life-saving impact of sustained immunisation efforts on a global scale.
• Economic impact - The World Economic Forum (2024) estimates that a polio-free world would result in $40-50 billion in economic savings, with about 85% of these benefits going to low-income countries. This underscores the broad socioeconomic impact of polio eradication beyond healthcare.

How you can make a difference

Making a difference on World Polio Day is achievable by taking simple, impactful steps to support the global mission to end polio:

• Raise awareness - Share facts, personal stories, or online resources to educate friends, family, and community members about the importance of polio vaccination. Use social media platforms to spread awareness about World Polio Day and its goals.
• Support organisations - Contribute to organisations such as Rotary International and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which work tirelessly toward eradicating polio. Even small donations can help fund vaccines, educational campaigns, and logistical support for vaccine delivery in remote areas.
• Advocate for vaccination - Encourage local governments and community leaders to prioritise immunisation programmes and make polio vaccination accessible to all. Your advocacy can help influence policies and funding toward this critical cause.
• Volunteer locally - Many communities have vaccination drives or health education programmes where volunteers are needed. Getting involved locally can make a significant impact, especially in underserved areas.
• Learn and share - Take the time to understand the global impact of polio and share this knowledge with those around you. Educating yourself and others is a powerful way to support the mission.

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Recommendations for a polio-free world

• Promote vaccination - Ensure every child has access to life-saving vaccines by supporting vaccination drives and advocating for universal immunisation.
• Enhance surveillance - Support worldwide monitoring to spot and address any new polio cases as soon as they appear.
• Engage with communities - Community trust is key to successful vaccination campaigns; encourage community leaders to educate and reassure their communities about the safety of vaccines.
• Strengthen health systems - Investing in robust health systems not only aids polio eradication but also improves overall healthcare resilience.

Conclusion

World Polio Day 2024 calls for a collective commitment to reach every child with polio vaccines and move closer to a world free from this disease. Under the theme “A Global Mission to Reach Every Child,” let’s unite in supporting efforts that safeguard children’s health. Join us in spreading awareness, supporting eradication initiatives, and advocating immunisation. Together, we can help make polio a thing of the past and ensure a healthier, polio-free future for all children.

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