Polio, a crippling and potentially deadly viral infectious disease that affects the nervous system, remains a matter of concern in several parts of the world. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for polio, but preventative measures such as immunization exist. Most persons affected by polio do not exhibit symptoms, while some exhibit minor symptoms like fever, tiredness, and nausea. Yet in rare cases, it can lead to paralysis and even death. Polio particularly impacts children under 5 years of age.
Three Strains of Polio
Polio comes in three distinct strains: Wild Poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), Wild Poliovirus type 2 (WPV2), and Wild Poliovirus type 3 (WPV3). While all these strains can cause irreversible paralysis or even death, they have unique genetic and virological differences which means they must each be eradicated separately.
The Pathway of Polio
Polio spreads from person to person mainly through the fecal-oral route. Contaminated food or water can also aid its transmission. The virus multiplies in the intestines and can invade the nervous system, causing paralysis.
Vaccination against Polio
There exist two types of vaccines to prevent polio: Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV). OPV is administered orally in multiple doses at various stages of infancy and early childhood, while IPV is given in conjunction with the 3rd dose of DPT under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
India’s battle against Polio
India was certified polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2014. This tremendous achievement came through initiatives such as the successful Pulse Polio Campaign, which administered polio drops to all children. The last registered case of wild poliovirus in the country was on January 13, 2011.
Global and Indian Initiatives to Eradicate Polio
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative launched in 1988 by national governments and WHO has seen success, with 80% of the world’s population now residing in certified polio-free regions. It estimates to have prevented 1.5 million childhood deaths through the administration of vitamin A during polio immunization activities. Every year, World Polio Day is observed on October 24 to promote vigilance against the disease.
India started the Pulse Polio Programme to achieve 100% coverage under OPV. Other initiatives include Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0, a nationwide immunisation drive to mark the 25 years of Pulse polio programme (2019-20), and the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), launched in 1985.
‘Mission Indradhanush’: India’s Step towards Complete Immunization
‘Mission Indradhanush’, launched by the Government of India, aims to cover all unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children against seven vaccine-preventable diseases by 2020. These diseases include diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis B. WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and other donor partners technically support the mission.
Recent news highlights the commitment of global leaders, having pledged USD 2.6 billion in funding toward the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s (GPEI) 2022-2026 Strategy to end polio at the World Health Summit in Berlin. The goal of WHS 2022 is to boost exchange, inspire innovative solutions to health challenges, and promote a global health conversation in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024