World Polio Day 2025: Join the Fight for a Polio-Free Future

• Written by Pratham Gupta

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Did you know that India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014? This milestone marked a major victory in global health, but the fight isn’t over yet. Polio was one of the most feared diseases of the 20th century, primarily affecting young children. At its peak in the 1980s, the disease paralyzed over 1,000 children every day worldwide.

Thanks to global immunization campaigns led by Rotary International, WHO, and other organizations, over 2.5 billion children have been vaccinated, and global polio cases have dropped by 99%.

Every year, October 24 is observed as World Polio Day to raise awareness, celebrate progress, and reinforce the urgent need to eradicate polio completely.

What is Polio?

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children under the age of 5. The disease is caused by the poliovirus, which enters the body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. In severe cases, it can attack the nervous system, leading to muscle paralysis or even death.

How is Polio Caused?

Poliovirus causes polio and spreads through infected individuals. The virus enters the body and reproduces in the throat and the gut, affecting nerves that control muscle movement. In severe cases, it may cause paralysis affecting the legs, arms, or the muscles that control breathing. It mainly affects children under 5. However, adults can also get a polio infection if they are not vaccinated.

How Does Polio Spread?

Polio is a contagious disease that spreads from one person to another. The poliovirus enters the body through the mouth or nose and is transmitted through:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Poor hygiene (e.g., not washing hands after using the toilet)Drinking contaminated water

Close contact with infected individuals

What are the Types of Polio?

Poliovirus, or wild poliovirus, has three variants: type 1, type 2, and type 3. However, only type 1 poliovirus is still present in some countries today, as types 2 and 3 have been eradicated. Different types of polio affect the body differently, depending on the part of the body infected by the poliovirus:

Abortive Polio

Mildest form

Flu-like symptoms: fever, fatigue, sore throat, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea

Non-Paralytic Polio

More serious, can cause meningitis-like symptoms such as:

• Neck stiffness
• Muscle pain
• Sensitivity to light

Paralytic Polio

More seriously, it can cause meningitis-like symptoms such as:

• Neck stiffness
• Muscle pain
• Sensitivity to light

Polioencephalitis

• Rare form affecting infants
• Causes brain swelling and cognitive issues

What are the Preventive Measures for Polio?

The only way to prevent polio is through vaccination and public health measures, including:

• Timely polio vaccinations and booster doses
• Practice good hygiene (handwashing, sanitation)
• Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing
• Raise awareness through education and community programs

Where Does Polio Still Exist in 2025?

As of 2025, wild poliovirus type 1 is still present in a few countries, notably:

• Pakistan
• Afghanistan

The disease’s persistence in conflict zones, poor sanitation conditions, and vaccine misinformation continue to pose challenges.

World Polio Day: History and Importance

World Polio Day was introduced by Rotary International in the year 1985 in memory of Jonas Stalk, the lead researcher of the medical team that created the first polio vaccine in 1955. In 1988, Rotary International with the WHO launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to work towards a polio-free world.

Since then, every year the World Polio Day theme has focused on the efforts made for polio disease eradication and promoting a future filled with hope for mother and children’s health. This day is important as the fight against polio continues and World Polio Day is an occasion to

• Celebrate all the efforts and progress made in all these years to control the spread of the disease.
• Educate people about the role of polio vaccination in preventing the disease.
• Bring together governments, organisations and communities to end polio.
• Remind people that constant efforts are required to completely eradicate polio which remains in a few parts of the world.

>> Read More: Know About Vaccines and The Diseases They Prevent

Join the Movement for a Polio-Free World

World Polio Day is an important day that encourages everyone to continue the fight against polio. It is the responsibility of every individual to contribute to the efforts to end Polio completely. In this initiative, Care Health Insurance extends its full support by offering comprehensive health insurance catering various medical needs of your entire family. Visit our website and secure your family!

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.