World Polio Day

World Polio Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the eradication of polio, a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. Established by Rotary International, it commemorates the birth of Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the first successful polio vaccine in 1955. This day highlights the importance of vaccination and global efforts to eliminate polio entirely.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: October 24
  • Tagged as: Global health awareness, Vaccination advocacy
  • What’s the hashtag?: #EndPolio
  • When was it founded?: 1988
  • Who founded it?: Rotary International

History of World Polio Day

World Polio Day was initiated by Rotary International to honor Dr. Jonas Salk’s groundbreaking work in developing the inactivated polio vaccine. Later, Dr. Albert Sabin’s oral polio vaccine further advanced eradication efforts. In 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched, reducing polio cases worldwide by over 99%. Despite these achievements, wild poliovirus remains endemic in two countries—Afghanistan and Pakistan—making continued vigilance essential.

Timeline

  • 1955: Jonas Salk develops the first inactivated polio vaccine.
  • 1961: Albert Sabin introduces the oral polio vaccine.
  • 1988: Launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
  • 2002: WHO declares Europe polio-free.
  • 2014: India receives its polio-free certification from WHO.
  • 2020s: Efforts continue to eliminate polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

YearMonth and DateDay
2025October 24Friday
2026October 24Saturday
2027October 24Sunday
2028October 24Tuesday
2029October 24Wednesday
2030October 24Thursday

Observed

World Polio Day is observed globally through campaigns, educational programs, and vaccination drives organized by health organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and Rotary International. These activities aim to raise awareness about the importance of immunization and to celebrate progress toward eradicating polio.

Fun Facts About World Polio Day

  • Dr. Jonas Salk chose not to patent his vaccine to make it widely accessible.
  • The Americas were declared polio-free in 1994.
  • Over 18 million people have been saved from paralysis due to global vaccination efforts.

Quiz

  1. Who developed the first successful polio vaccine?
    (Answer: Dr. Jonas Salk)
  2. What year was the Global Polio Eradication Initiative launched?
    (Answer: 1988)
  3. Which two countries still have endemic wild poliovirus?
    (Answer: Afghanistan and Pakistan)
  4. What is the primary mode of transmission for poliovirus?
    (Answer: Fecal-oral route)
  5. What is the hashtag used for World Polio Day campaigns?
    (Answer: #EndPolio)

FAQs

  1. What is polio?
    Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause paralysis or even death in severe cases.
  2. Why is World Polio Day important?
    It raises awareness about vaccination efforts and celebrates progress toward eradicating polio globally.
  3. Is there a cure for polio?
    No, but it can be prevented through vaccination.
  4. Who are at risk of contracting polio?
    Children under five years old are most vulnerable.
  5. Why do we still need World Polio Day if cases are rare now?
    Until eradicated completely, there’s a risk of resurgence, especially in areas with low immunization coverage.

Related

  • Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)
  • Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign
  • WHO’s immunization programs