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Context: World Polio Day observed annually on October 24, raises awareness about the importance of polio vaccination and underscores global efforts to eradicate the disease.

About World Polio Day

• World Polio Day, celebrated every year on October 24, is an important occasion to raise awareness about the significance of polio vaccination in protecting children from this debilitating and highly infectious disease.
• In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region's polio-free declaration was a significant milestone, prompting the annual observance of World Polio Day on October 24 to celebrate progress and promote global awareness of the ongoing fight against polio.
• The theme for World Polio Day 2023, "A healthier future for mothers and children," underscores the dual commitment to both eradicating polio in children and ensuring the overall health and well-being of mothers and children, highlighting the interconnectedness of their health.

About Polio

• Polio, caused by the poliovirus, is a contagious and potentially life-threatening disease. It primarily spreads from person to person and can lead to paralysis or weakness in the arms or legs.
  • The virus can reside in an infected person's throat and intestines and can be contracted through contaminated food and water, often in unhygienic conditions.
  • It can also be transmitted through contact with an infected person's saliva or faeces, even if they do not exhibit symptoms.
• India was once the epicentre of polio, with over 50,000 cases reported in 2002. However, through a massive and coordinated effort, India was declared polio-free in 2014.
• The majority of individuals infected with the polio virus are asymptomatic carriers, while about 25% experience mild symptoms like sore throat, fever, fatigue, nausea, headache, and stomach pain, but a few can develop severe complications, including meningitis, paralysis, or limb weakness due to the virus's impact on the central nervous system.

There are two main types of Polio vaccines

• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is highly effective and helps produce antibodies in the blood, providing protection against all three types of poliovirus. In the event of infection, it safeguards against polio paralysis by preventing the virus from spreading to the nervous system.
• Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) is an injectable vaccine that can be administered alone or alongside other vaccines. Typically, three-spaced doses are given to generate sufficient immunity. A booster dose is usually administered during late childhood to maintain polio prevention.

Conclusion

• World Polio Day serves as a reminder of the importance of continued vaccination efforts to ensure that future generations remain protected from this devastating disease. Efforts to eradicate polio have made significant progress worldwide, and continued vigilance is essential to achieve the goal of a polio-free world.

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VACCINE DERIVED POLIO: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/vaccine-derived-polio

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