World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24 to raise awareness of global efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio). This international day is organized to emphasize the importance of protecting children against poliovirus and to recognize the roles of healthcare workers, volunteers, civil society organizations, and families contributing to polio eradication efforts.
Each year, World Polio Day is supported by informational events and campaigns highlighting the significance of polio vaccines and eradication programs. The day is not only a celebration of past successes but also aims to increase global awareness to reach unvaccinated children in endemic regions.
Global Significance
Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children under five years of age, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus is mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route, replicates in the intestine, and then spreads to the nervous system. There are three types of poliovirus: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Type 2 was eradicated in 1999; Type 3 was last observed in Nigeria in 2012 and reported in Malawi in 2022. As of 2022, Type 1 remains endemic in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Malawi.
World Polio Day draws attention to the importance of reaching children in endemic areas and achieving high vaccination coverage. In 2024, a Type 2 poliovirus outbreak in Gaza highlighted the urgency of global polio eradication. Through two-stage vaccination campaigns, over half a million children were immunized, and other health interventions were implemented, demonstrating that polio eradication is achievable through global cooperation.
Vaccination Against Polio (Anadolu Ajansı)
Activities and Participation
World Polio Day events are organized by healthcare institutions, governments, civil society organizations, and volunteers. Activities include global and local awareness campaigns, promotion of polio vaccines and eradication programs, educational seminars, public information efforts, and social media or online awareness initiatives. These efforts aim to strengthen global immunity against polio and support the vaccination of all children.
Objectives and Message
The primary goal of World Polio Day is to ensure the protection of children worldwide against poliovirus and to reinforce global efforts toward complete polio eradication. The day’s message emphasizes that polio eradication is technically, medically, and biologically feasible, and calls on all stakeholders to reach children in remaining endemic areas.
The day serves not only to celebrate past achievements but also to remind the global community of the remaining tasks. Polio eradication can be accomplished by vaccinating all children in endemic regions, demonstrating that complete eradication is possible.
2022–2026 Polio Eradication Strategy
The 2022–2026 Polio Eradication Strategy, developed by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), is a comprehensive action plan aimed at permanently eliminating polio. The strategy focuses on completely eradicating the virus in regions where polio is still present and controlling variant cases. Intensified vaccination campaigns, collaboration with local communities, and field-based surveillance are prioritized in endemic countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Maintaining high vaccination coverage, strengthening surveillance systems, and rapid response to potential outbreaks are key priorities. The program emphasizes shared responsibility at regional and national levels, close collaboration with communities, and delivering health services through a holistic approach.
The 2022–2026 period aims not only at disease eradication but also at strengthening health systems. Supporting women’s active roles in healthcare, promoting gender equality, developing communication strategies, and increasing community-based awareness activities are highlighted objectives.
During this period, solidarity among countries, rapid data sharing, and effective crisis management are emphasized to achieve complete polio eradication. GPEI collaborates with governments, international organizations, and civil society to ensure lasting eradication and halt virus transmission in endemic countries. The strategy aims to lay the foundation for a sustainable post-polio world through collective global effort.
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