The world is observing World Polio Day on October 24, with health authorities saying the globe is closer than ever to eradicating the disease. Polio mainly affects children under five and can cause permanent paralysis in about 1 in 200 infections. According to the WHO, wild poliovirus cases have fallen by over 99% since 1988 from around 350,000 cases in more than 125 countries to endemic transmission in just two countries. While there is no cure, vaccination with multiple doses can provide lifelong protection.
Global health partners have warned that until polio is eradicated everywhere, children everywhere remain at risk stressing the need to maintain strong vaccination coverage and disease surveillance.
