Poliovirus and the paralysis-causing disease it leads to (polio) are DISAPPEARING from the world!
Tools:
- Effective polio vaccines
- Comprehensive childhood primary vaccination coverage
- Booster vaccinations when needed
- Effective poliovirus surveillance to know whether the virus is present in the population:
- Detection of poliovirus in samples from patients with paralysis symptoms (AFP
surveillance) - Detection of poliovirus in wastewater
When poliovirus is found in a wastewater sample, it means that someone (or several people) in the catchment area are shedding poliovirus in their stool, which then ends up in the wastewater. Following such a finding, the polio vaccination coverage of the population in the area is assessed to determine whether there are groups lacking protection or having insufficient protection. These individuals are given a booster dose to protect them from polio disease.
The global polio eradication program is:
- The longest-running public health program in the world
- A demonstration of what broad international cooperation can achieve in a world with major
disparities in well-being
There are no biological or technical barriers to eradicating polio – it depends solely on decisions and choices, including those we Rotarians make today!
World Polio Day is celebrated every year on October 24th. In connection with this, Rotarians share information about polio and organize collections and events in many localities, with the proceeds going in full to the PolioPlus program. Read more about World Polio Day, find an event to take part in, or register your own event
