24th October, 2007

World Polio Day falls on 24th October. This is a day of reckoning of the scourge called Polio, of all the bitter memories it has left in its wake, and the many lives claimed by the disease. Yet, amidst the somber thoughts, the sweet taste of success brought by focused global strategies in significantly cutting the rate of disease, offers a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.

‘Eradicate Polio from the Face of the Earth’

Global eradication programmes, since 1988, which have employed poliovirus vaccines in many parts of the world has significantly reduced the worldwide occurrence of polio by 99%. The western regions can today boast of a complete polio- free environment.

According to the latest figures, there is a significant reduction of 58% in polio cases as compared to 2006 statistics. Only 613 cases have been reported globally in 2007. In the congratulatory note to India, the WHO Director General Margaret Chan, said, ‘I am confident that India will soon become polio-free and attain a historic milestone.'Under the aegis of UNICEF and WHO noteworthy strides have been made across the world, especially in polio endemic regions of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, it is not time to rest on laurels, yet. Afghanistan, Pakistan, certain areas in India and Africa are not completely free from the virus. India had reported 676 cases of polio in 2006. This year, 2007, the number has reduced to 281. Most of the victims belong to parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, from regions that lack hygiene and proper sanitation. Recently, two cases, one in Delhi and the other in Orissa have been reported.

Moving forward in full throttle, this year too, will embrace the goals of polio prevention in endemic areas with a concerted plan of action towards completely eradicating the disease. Importantly, the objectives will seek to plug the lacunae in areas where despite measures, polio has raised its ugly head.

About Polio

Polio is a historical disease which had plagued many a nation since centuries. The infamous polio epidemic in the United States in 1916 had left nearly 27,000 crippled while also killing more than 6000 people.

Polio or Poliomyelitis is an infectious viral disease of the highest order. The virus attacks the nervous system; its virulent forms can virtually paralyze the nervous system within just a few hours. Children below the age of five are susceptible to the disease.

There are three types of Polio virus delineated as Type 1, 2 and 3. Type 1 and Type 3 continue to be a challenge in parts of Afghanistan, Africa and in endemic areas. Type 2 is fortunately eliminated.

Route of Transmission

Polio virus makes its way into the human intestine through the fecal-oral route after contact with a contaminated surface. The spread of the virus gathers momentum with person-person contact, unhygienic surroundings, and consumption of unclean water. The illness could last for 2 weeks but its irreparable damage to the nerves is life long in acute cases.