India joined the global community in observing World Polio Day today, reaffirming its commitment to a polio-free future and celebrating the nation’s success in eradicating the disease.
Health workers, government officials, and community leaders marked the day with awareness drives, vaccination campaigns, and public health discussions.
A Look Back: India’s Polio-Free Journey
India was declared polio-free in 2014 by the World Health Organization (WHO), a landmark achievement for a country that once accounted for the majority of global cases.
The success was driven by:
Extensive immunization programs (Pulse Polio Campaign)
Door-to-door awareness drives
Strong community participation and government support
This achievement remains one of the greatest public health milestones in India’s history.
Focus of World Polio Day 2025
The theme for this year emphasizes “Together, We Can End Polio Everywhere”, highlighting the need for:
Continued surveillance and immunization efforts
Ensuring every child under five receives the vaccine
Strengthening routine immunization systems
Combating misinformation about vaccines
Public health experts also emphasized that sustained vigilance is key to preventing the reintroduction of the virus.
Government and WHO Collaboration
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF, organized events across the country.
Health workers administered booster doses, and awareness campaigns were held in schools and rural areas to reinforce the importance of immunization.
Voices From the Field
Union Health Ministry officials praised the dedication of frontline health workers, calling them the “unsung heroes” behind India’s success.
A health volunteer from Uttar Pradesh shared:
“Every drop counts — it’s our shield against a disease that once crippled thousands of children.”
FAQs
1. When is World Polio Day observed?
World Polio Day is observed every year on October 24.
2. When was India declared polio-free?
India was officially declared polio-free in 2014 by the World Health Organization.
3. Why is continued vaccination necessary if India is polio-free?
Vaccination ensures no reintroduction of the virus through travelers or undetected carriers.
4. Who started World Polio Day?
It was established by Rotary International to honor Jonas Salk, who developed the first polio vaccine.
5. What is the theme for World Polio Day 2025?
The theme focuses on global unity and sustained vaccination efforts to eliminate polio worldwide.
Published on : 24th October
Published by : SMITA
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