Suara.com – Polio is a highly contagious and dangerous disease, caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. According to the World Health Organization or WHO, 1 in 200 infected people face the risk of permanent paralysis. Therefore, polio eradication is considered important on a global scale. That is what ultimately makes World Polio Day commemorated on October 24 each year.
This is an important event that is celebrated to raise awareness of polio vaccination and polio eradication. But, what is the history behind the establishment of World Polio Day? In fact, you can see it below, as reported by the Parenting First Cry page.
1. History of World Polio Day
World Polio Day was founded by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, the medical researcher who led the first team to develop a polio vaccine. World Polio Day has been celebrated for over a decade now.
The researchers developed an inactivated poliovirus vaccine that entered service in 1955. Only then did Albert Sabin develop the oral polio vaccine which came into use in 1961.
Also Read:
Finally, the African continent was declared free from the polio epidemic
2. Polio Cases Around the World
The creation of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) occurred in 1988, launched by Rotary International and WHO, when there were nearly 3.5 million cases of polio worldwide.
To date, several regions such as America, Europe, Southeast Asia and the West Pacific have been declared polio free. However, countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan still have rare incidence of this disease.
Therefore, World Polio Day is the right time to spread awareness about the dangers of this disease, and the great need to vaccinate babies on schedule, to completely eradicate the virus.
3. Why is World Polio Day Celebrated?
On this day, organizations around the world, such as Rotary International, WHO and so on, celebrate the individuals and organizations involved in the global fight against polio and their efforts to completely eradicate the virus.
This celebration also seeks to spread awareness to everyone about the importance of tackling the virus and any potential outbreaks, as well as undertaking fundraising efforts to achieve this goal.
Also Read:
Can Polio Vaccine Protect Someone from Covid-19? This Researcher Said
4. How is World Polio Day Celebrated Around the World?
Today, around the world, global organizations such as Rotary International and other similar organizations hold several events and fundraisers, with the aim of raising awareness about polio. Various types of events can be held in a variety of ways, from rallies and sightseeing to organizing competitions in schools and clubs. It also shows that in the global struggle to eradicate polio, no member is too small to contribute!
–
