World Polio Day October 24th - Where do we Stand?

World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24 to raise global awareness about the eradication of poliomyelitis and the importance of vaccination. Established by Rotary International, the date commemorates the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the team that developed the first successful polio vaccine.

History and Significance - The observance was established over a decade ago to celebrate global progress in eliminating the disease. Thanks to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), cases have plummeted by over 99% since 1988. The day honors the millions of volunteers, parents, and healthcare workers who dedicate their time to distributing vaccines, even in remote or conflict-affected regions.