Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 24: Every year on October 24, the world observes World Polio Day in memory of Dr. Jonas Salk, the scientist who developed the first successful polio vaccine. The day is a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and immunisation to prevent poliovirus infections.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious disease caused by the poliovirus, which attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis or death in severe cases. At its peak, polio affected thousands of children globally, but the advent of the polio vaccine has transformed it into a largely preventable disease, marking one of the greatest achievements in modern medicine.

Recognising Contributions

World Polio Day honours the tireless efforts of scientists, healthcare professionals, volunteers, researchers, and organisations that have fought to protect children and communities. It underscores that vaccines are lifesaving tools, essential for long-term public health and global disease prevention.

India’s Journey to Polio Eradication

India’s successful fight against polio is celebrated as a landmark in public health history. After years of intensive vaccination campaigns, India was declared polio-free in 2014. Key strategies that contributed to this success include:

• Nationwide immunisation programmes ensuring all children under five received multiple doses of the polio vaccine

• Collaborations with government agencies, NGOs, and global partners such as the World Health Organization and Rotary Foundation

• Community engagement with volunteers conducting door-to-door vaccination drives and educating families

• Continuous monitoring and surveillance to quickly identify and respond to new cases

The Pulse Polio campaigns, supported by hospitals, rural primary health centres, NGOs, and the Rotary Foundation, ensured that even children in the most remote areas received mandatory polio drops.

The Importance of Continued Vigilance

Although India is polio-free, polio still exists in some countries, and any exposure to the virus could pose a global threat. Disruptions, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown how quickly progress can be reversed if vaccination campaigns are interrupted.

Parents and caregivers play a critical role in maintaining polio-free status:

• Ensure children receive all scheduled polio vaccine doses

• Participate in every Pulse Polio drive, regardless of previous doses

• Encourage family, friends, and neighbours to vaccinate their children

• Report any sudden muscle weakness or limb paralysis in children immediately

Building a Polio-Free Future

World Polio Day not only commemorates past achievements but also reinforces the importance of prevention, immunisation, and awareness. Sustaining high vaccination coverage ensures that polio remains a disease of the past, allowing children to grow up healthy and strong.

India’s polio eradication journey demonstrates the power of commitment, coordination, and compassion. With continued vigilance and support for immunisation programmes, a polio-free world is achievable, safeguarding future generations from this preventable disease.