World Polio Day

October 24, Friday

World Polio Day
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World Polio Day is celebrated annually on October 24. This day is intended to remind people of the need to eradicate polio worldwide and to express support for medical and humanitarian organizations working toward this goal.

History of the holiday
The date was not chosen by chance — October 24 marks the birthday of Jonas Salk, the American scientist who developed the first effective polio vaccine in the 1950s. Thanks to his discovery, a large-scale vaccination campaign began, saving millions of children from paralysis and death.

Goals of the holiday
The main goal of World Polio Day is to draw public attention to the need for the complete eradication of this disease and the continuation of vaccination. Polio can affect children under 5 years of age and cause irreversible paralysis. Despite significant progress, the disease has not yet been completely defeated.

How it is celebrated
In different countries, events are held on this day to raise awareness and funds:

* conducting information campaigns about the importance of vaccination;
* educational lectures and seminars in schools and medical institutions;
* activities by Rotary International and the World Health Organization aimed at raising funds for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative;
* thematic lighting of buildings and monuments in red and white — the colors symbolizing the fight against the disease.

Interesting facts

* Since the start of the global polio campaign in 1988, incidence has dropped by more than 99%.
* Today, wild poliovirus remains endemic only in two countries — Afghanistan and Pakistan.
* Rotary International is one of the key partners of WHO in the fight against polio.

Significance of the holiday
World Polio Day serves as a reminder that vaccination is a powerful tool for protecting humanity from dangerous infections. This day symbolizes hope that one day polio will become the second disease after smallpox to be completely eradicated from the Earth.

World Polio Day

World Polio Day in other years

World Polio Day in other countries

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