Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under five. It can cause
1. Paralysis,
2. Respiratory issues, and
3. Even death in severe cases.
The virus spreads through contaminated (orofeacal contamination – that is when feaces contaminates our food or drinking water and we ingest it) food or water and can invade the nervous system. There is no cure, but polio can be prevented through vaccination.
World Polio Day observed annually on October 24th raises awareness of the efforts to eradicate polio and honours the tireless work of healthcare workers and organizations worldwide. The theme for this year, “A Global Mission to Reach Every Child,” highlights the urgent need to ensure that every child, especially those in hard-to-reach and vulnerable communities, receive the polio vaccine.
Polio, a crippling and potentially deadly disease, has been eliminated in most parts of the world except for Pakistan and Afghanistan, thanks to decades of vaccination efforts. However, the mission is not over. Small pockets of cases remain, particularly in regions with limited healthcare access and where there is unrest. The theme reinforces the collective commitment to close this gap and achieve a polio-free world.
Through collaboration, sustained funding, and innovative solutions, the global community can protect future generations from polio, ensuring that no child is left behind in this crucial fight.
*LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THE WORLD POLIO FREE*. We did it with small pox, we can do it with Polio.
#worldpolioday2024
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#madenhealthcarefoundationbeyondhealthcareadministeringwithlove
#kickoutpolio
#keeppolio@zero
#rotaryinternational
#worldhealthorganization
