World Polio Day 2024

World Polio day is held annually on the 24 October, to highlight and support the ongoing global fight to #endpolio.

• See the Rotary International website for information how you can become involved with supporting World Polio Day

Polio, or paralytic poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious vaccine-preventable enteroviral infection that affects the motor neurons of the central nervous system.

Since 1988, the global incidence of polio has reduced by 99.9%. With effective immunisation, it is possible to eliminate polio. However, high vaccination coverage is required to stop transmission and prevent outbreaks.

Polio remains endemic in only 2 countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan - although there are numerous other countries where their populations remain susceptible to polio.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative works to eradicate polio worldwide so that, if possible, all children are protected against paralytic poliomyelitis.

• Due to low population immunity, outbreaks of polio continue to emerge, either through importation of cases of active polio from another country, or emergence and circulation of poliovirus which can occasionally be shed by a person following them having received the live oral vaccine
• Eradicating polio will depend heavily on reaching vulnerable populations, especially children, and overcoming political, social, religious and cultural hurdles in areas that are remote or in conflict.
• Globally, 2 of the 3 wild poliovirus strains have been eradicated, leaving only wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) still in circulation. Eradicating these strains shows that tactics to vaccinate every child are working and that eradication of all types of poliovirus is possible.
• Until polio is completely eradicated from the world, the populations in all countries remain at risk of becoming re-infected.

Advice to travellers

Poliomyelitis (polio) is spread mainly through faecal-oral transmission. It is highly infectious and mostly affects children under 5 years of age. Human beings are the only known reservoir of the virus. The disease can result in permanent paralysis and can sometimes be life-threatening.

• Ensure all travellers are up to date with the UK Vaccination Schedule.
• Check the most recent advice regarding polio vaccination (including if proof of vaccination is required) for all the countries to be visited.
• Travellers should be advised to practice good hand hygiene and safe food and water precautions whilst travelling.

More information can be found on the TRAVAX Poliomyelitis page