World Polio Day

Prasenjit Das
Dec 22, 2023 By Prasenjit Das
Originally Published on Mar 03, 2022
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi
On this World Polio Day, make sure that every child in your community is vaccinated

Where is World Polio Day observed?

World Polio Day is an international holiday and is observed all over the world. It aims to spread awareness of the fatal consequence of this virus, and how proper immunization can help in its prevention.

Who is World Polio Day observed by?

The day is mainly observed by various health organizations, health care centers, and disease control centers around the world. They constantly come up with new vaccination programs and carry out the polio eradication resolution so that more and more people can lead a safe and healthy life.

When did World Polio Day first start?

There is no proper record of when it was started, but it is believed that Rotary International founded the event over a decade ago.

Who started World Polio Day?

To commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, the person who first developed vaccines to fight poliomyelitis, Rotary International started this day.

History And Timeline

Standing at the threshold of a polio-free world, let us see some important events in the history of this disease.

The Beginning Of Infection

Poliomyelitis was not unknown in ancient times. There is some evidence of people getting infected back then.

Prehistory

Resurgence Of Polio

Polio had survived for over millennia, and then resurfaced as an epidemic at the dawn of the 20th century. Frequent epidemics became a regular case in the developed countries, especially during the summer of 1910.

1900s

Polio At Its Peak

Every year over half a million people from all over the world got infected and lost their lives due to polio.

'40s and '50s

Invention Of Inactive Polio Vaccine

Jonas Salk developed Inactive Polio Vaccine or Salk Vaccine and tested it for the first time in 1952 using the HeLa cell. The invention was announced to the public in 1955. Albert Sabin developed Oral Polio Vaccine eight years after Salk's invention.

1955

Founding of Global Polio Eradication Initiative

After the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate polio, The GPEI was created to fight the disease worldwide and to achieve a polio-free world.

1988

Traditions And Customs

Polio has been around since ancient times and it caused a lot of damage until the Inactive Polio Vaccine and Oral Polio Vaccine were invented. So, the best thing to do on this day is to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate World Polio Day

You can visit a polio survivor if you know one, and get to know that person and the challenges she/he faces daily. You can also inform others about these challenges and the role played by the vaccine in polio eradication.

Facts And Stats

  • The first (unsuccessful) attempt at developing an effective vaccine for polio was made in 1935 by Maurice Brodie.
  • In 1905, Rotary International was established. Thanks to the organization we have World Polio Day to help raise awareness.
  • In 1988, 125 countries and over 350,000 children suffered from polio every year. Now, Polio is an endemic disease in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. No wonder why World Polio Day is given so much importance.

Why is World Polio Day observed?

World Polio Day and other events related to polio aim to raise awareness and to achieve a polio-free world.

What is the theme of World Polio Day 2020?

The theme of World Polio Day 2020 was 'Stories of Progress: Past and Present'.

When was the first World Polio Day?

It is a bit of a mystery when the day was first observed, but it is believed that it was started over a decade ago

Why is World Polio Day on October 24?

 It is observed to commemorate the birth of the first IPV developer, Jonas Salk

What is the significance of World Polio Day?

 The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination and immunization to prevent polio until it is completely eradicated.

What country did polio come from?

According to the historical evidence, it originated in Egypt.

How is World Polio Day different from World Lupus Day?

Both the events are about fighting diseases. While the first one promotes the eradication of polio, the latter one aims to cure lupus.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Saturday, October 24, 2020
  • Sunday, October 24, 2021
  • Monday, October 24, 2022
  • Tuesday, October 24, 2023
  • Thursday, October 24, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

Sources

https://www.britannica.com/science/polio/Polio-through-history

https://wash-rag.org/page/world-polio-day

https://sambadenglish.com/world-polio-day-2021-know-theme-and-why-it-is-celebrated-on-october-24/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_polio#:~:text=Major polio epidemics were unknown before the 20th century; localizedan 1841 outbreak in Louisianahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Polio_Eradication_Initiative

See All

Written by Prasenjit Das

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature

Prasenjit Das picture

Prasenjit DasBachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature

Having obtained a Bachelor's degree in English language and literature from West Bengal State University - Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath College, followed by a Master's degree in English language and literature from Calcutta University, Prasenjit has several years of experience as a content writer, Prasenjit has mastered the art of producing cohesive and coherent copy. To further refine his skills and continuously challenge his creativity, Prasenjit successfully completed the "Introduction to Creative Writing Course" offered by British Council. Outside of his professional pursuits, Prasenjit finds inspiration in engaging in various creative activities, including writing poetry.

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi

Postgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi Raturi picture

Sakshi RaturiPostgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi has experience in marketing strategy, social media planning, and recruiting industry experts for capstone projects, she has displayed a commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge. She has won multiple awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for Creative Writing and a Certificate of Merit for Immaculate Turut, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and develop.

Read full bio >