O World Polio Day is remembered on October 24th – an important occasion to highlight global efforts to eradicate this debilitating disease. Polio, also known as infantile paralysis, was once a global epidemic, but thanks to mass vaccination campaigns and the dedication of healthcare professionals around the world, it was possible to control the disease.
For those who don’t know, polio is a contagious disease caused by the poliovirus expelled in the feces or secretions of infected children and adults, whether symptomatic or not. In severe cases, in which muscular paralysis occurs, the lower limbs are the most affected, however, the respiratory muscles can also be impacted, leading to death.
Progress in eradicating polio has been remarkable. Since the start of GPEI in 1988, polio cases have declined. However, there are still areas in some countries where the disease persists, and it is essential to maintain efforts until polio is completely eradicated.
However, the vaccine specialist at Prevention Vacinas Chapecó and president of the Board of Directors of the Brazilian Association of Vaccine Clinics (ABCVAC), Fabiana Funk, warns that in recent years there has been a drop in vaccination coverage. The last year in which coverage among children under 1 year of age reached the minimum level of 95% was 2015. Since then, the numbers have progressively fallen until reaching just 70% in 2021.
According to the expert, immunization is still the only efficient way to prevent polio, since, even without showing symptoms, the infected individual can still transmit the virus, contaminating water and food.
Fabiana highlights that the date is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of all those who work tirelessly to vaccinate children around the world. It is also a time to highlight the continued importance of vaccination and the commitment to achieving a polio-free world. “People’s support and public support play a fundamental role in the fight against polio,” she concludes.
