New Delhi: Today, on World Polio Day, a chance for public and civil society partners to raise awareness and resources for the global effort to eradicate polio. The day also celebrates progress made toward eradicating polio and emphasises the continued efforts needed to eliminate the virus completely.
World Polio Day is organised by Rotary International in collaboration with global health organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
The event serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and health programs in achieving a polio-free world. Read on as we share the theme, history, importance and significance of this day.
Date
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World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24, a day dedicated to raising awareness about polio, its prevention, and the global efforts to eradicate the disease.
Theme for World Polio Day 2024
The theme for World Polio Day 2024 is “A Global Mission to Reach Every Child.” This theme emphasizes the ongoing efforts to vaccinate every child against polio, especially in regions where the disease is still endemic. It highlights the importance of reaching underserved and vulnerable populations to achieve a polio-free world.
History
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World Polio Day was established in 1988 by Rotary International to honour the birth of Dr. Jonas Salk, the medical researcher who developed the first safe and effective polio vaccine. The introduction of the polio vaccine marked a major milestone in the global fight against the disease.
Importance and Significance
World Polio Day holds significant importance as it serves as a platform to educate the public about the dangers of polio, the progress in its eradication, and the efforts needed to achieve a polio-free world. Despite the dramatic reduction in polio cases over the years, the disease has not yet been completely eradicated.
World Polio Day emphasises the need for continuous support, funding, and vaccination to stop the spread of the virus in these regions and prevent polio from re-emerging globally. The day reminds the world of the importance of immunisation and the collective responsibility to protect children from this preventable disease.
