Introduction
Every year, World Polio Day is observed on October 24 to raise awareness about the importance of eradicating poliomyelitis (polio) — a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. In 2025, this day serves as a reminder that while the world has made remarkable progress toward a polio-free future, the fight isn’t over yet.
Polio mainly affects children under five years of age, attacking the nervous system and potentially causing irreversible paralysis. Through global vaccination efforts, the disease has been eliminated from most countries, but vigilance, awareness, and immunization must continue until the virus is eradicated completely.
What Is Polio?
Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads mainly through contact with contaminated water or food. The virus multiplies in the intestine and can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis within hours.
Types of Poliovirus:
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Wild Poliovirus (WPV) – The naturally occurring virus still found in limited regions.
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Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV) – A rare strain that can emerge in under-immunized communities.
There are three strains of wild poliovirus (WPV1, WPV2, and WPV3) — with WPV2 and WPV3 already declared eradicated. Only Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to report cases of WPV1.
Global Progress Toward Eradication
Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, worldwide cases have dropped by over 99% — from 350,000 annual cases to fewer than a few dozen today.
Key organizations like WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have been instrumental in this progress.
However, occasional outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas remind us that the virus can return if we let our guard down.
Why Awareness Still Matters
While vaccines are available, awareness and education remain critical:
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Many parents are unaware that multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine (OPV) are required.
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Misinformation and fear still cause vaccine hesitancy in certain regions.
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Clean water and sanitation also play a key role in preventing transmission.
Raising awareness helps ensure community participation and sustained vaccination coverage — the cornerstone of eradication.
The Role of Vaccination
The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) are the two main vaccines that protect children.
Regular immunization campaigns ensure that every child is protected, especially in high-risk areas.
Remember:
“As long as one child remains infected, children everywhere are at risk.”
What You Can Do
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Get Informed: Learn and share facts about polio and vaccination.
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Support Immunization Drives: Encourage parents to vaccinate their children.
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Volunteer or Donate: Support organizations that work on global eradication.
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Spread Awareness Online: Use hashtags like #WorldPolioDay and #EndPolioNow.
Looking Ahead — A Polio-Free Future
The goal of a world free of polio is within reach — but only through collective responsibility.
By ensuring every child, everywhere, is vaccinated and by maintaining global commitment, we can make polio a disease of the past.
Let’s join hands this World Polio Day 2025 to spread awareness and strengthen prevention for a polio-free future.
About BloodSaathi
At BloodSaathi, we believe that health awareness saves lives — whether it’s about blood donation, immunization, or disease prevention. Together, we can build a healthier, safer world.
