• Since 1985, the country has been considered polio-free and the Americas have celebrated 30 years without cases of wild polio.
• It is urged to keep the regular vaccination schedule for girls and boys updated to ensure protection against this and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Every October 24, “World Polio Day” is commemorated, a date that highlights the importance of vaccination in the eradication of this highly contagious disease. This year marks 30 years without wild polio in the Americas, a significant achievement that demonstrates the positive impact of immunization campaigns over the past three decades.
The campaign slogan is “Let’s #EndPolio”, reaffirming the commitment to continue fighting this disease.
The last case of polio in Paraguay was recorded in 1985, and since then, the country has maintained its commitment to immunization, allowing it to be considered polio-free. Poliomyelitis, caused by the polio virus, mainly affects boys and girls under the age of five, causing paralysis within hours. Although there is no cure for the disease, its prevention is possible through vaccination.
Since the introduction of the hexavalent vaccine, which includes the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), the vaccination schedule has become completely IPV, thus ensuring greater protection in the child population. The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPYBS) recalls that the Region of the Americas was certified as free of wild polio in 1994. To maintain this achievement, it is essential to continue strengthening vaccination campaigns and epidemiological surveillance.
This year, the health portfolio reiterates its call to parents and caregivers to keep their sons’ and daughters’ vaccination schedules updated, thus ensuring the protection of boys and girls, and the community in general. Vaccines are available free of charge in all health centers in the country.
For more information about vaccination centers, go to www.vacunate.gov.py or by calling 138, toll-free line for consultation.
