The World Health Organization, W.H.O, has certified Nigeria and other African Countries Polio Free. The process of certification, which commenced a few months ago, culminated in the complete documentation by officials of the National Primary Development Agency which was accepted by World Health Organization Team.

Polio is a highly contagious and dangerous disease, caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Such is the danger level of this disease that one in 200 infected people face the risk of permanent paralysis, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, the eradication of polio was considered important on a global scale. This is why World Polio Day is an important occasion, observed to raise awareness for the polio vaccination and the eradication of polio.

World Polio Day is observed on the 24th of October every year. It was established by the Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, the medical researcher who led the first team to develop a vaccine against polio. He developed the inactivated poliovirus vaccine which came into use in 1955, after which Albert Sabin developed the oral polio vaccine which came into use in 1961.

In 1988, there were nearly 350,000 cases of polio across the world. As of date, several regions like the Americas, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific have been declared polio-free. However, countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan still witness rare occurrences of the disease. World Polio Day, therefore, is the perfect occasion to spread awareness about the dangers of this disease, and the immense need to vaccinate babies as per schedule, so as to completely eradicate the virus.

On this day of 24th October, organizations around the world celebrate the individuals and organizations involved in the global fight against polio and their efforts to completely eradicate the virus. Along with this celebratory note, it also seeks to spread awareness about the importance of curbing the virus and any potential outbreaks. Polio is a deadly disease. It spreads mainly through infected faeces, contaminated water (due to infected human waste), and can even spread from person to person through a cough or sneeze. While a person of any age can fall prey to the disease, it mainly affects people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and children under the age of 5.

There are two basic patterns of the disease – the first type is a minor illness, called abortive poliomyelitis, which doesn’t affect the central nervous system (CNS). The second type is more critical, as it directly affects the CNS and may be paralytic or non-paralytic. In about 95% of the cases, the disease doesn’t show any symptoms.

Polio does not have any cure, which is why prevention through vaccines is absolutely important, and babies need to be provided the same as per schedule. A single child being infected can put kids in all countries of the world at risk.

Since polio has no cure, there is no other way to stop its spread than to immunize your baby at the earliest possible. So, ensure that you protect your baby’s life by providing him or her the vaccination on time

The theme for 2020 World Polio Day is: STORIES OF PROGRESS: PAST AND PRESENT. The theme takes a tour of the progress made in polio eradication so far. The continual efforts of healthcare workers are accepted and acknowledged through this theme. It also charts out a future road map to press medical line staff to continue their efforts in rendering their support in choosing to completely wipe out even a single trace of the existence of the deadly virus and polio disease.

There are many reasons why Polio is contaminated from one person to the other. Polluted water, coming in contact with faeces that are capable of transmitting an infection, coughing and sneezing from an infected person can cause Polio. Even after Polio is cured, the disease has all chances of returning to its source. As per current statistics, type 3 pattern of the disease has been completely eradicated from the world. We should ensure proper and timely immunizations to children to prevent the disease from an occurrence.

We should consult a medical practitioner to obtain current records of children’s immunization portfolio and go with the timelines specified. No doubt, good health lays the foundation for vibrant and productive communities, stronger economies, safer nations and a better world. Nigeria and other Africa countries have been Certificated Poio Free but we will not rest on our oars as all hands must be on desk to maintain the Certification and total global Eradication of Polio.

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