World Polio Day 2021

Today, October 24th, is recognised globally as World Polio Day. World Health Organization statistics indicate that since 1988, polio cases have fallen by 99.9%. It said it is due to the support of health workers, local governments, and donations from individuals all over the world. There are three strains of wild poliovirus Type 2 and Type 3 have officially been certified as globally eradicated. Wild poliovirus type 1 still affects two countries today - Pakistan and Afghanistan. Director General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said only two cases have been reported so far for 2021 in both countries. He thanked Rotarians all over the globe for all they have done to end polio. He said now is not the time for complacency in the fight against polio but challenges in Afghanistan can see the resurgence of the virus. Dr. Ghebreyesus is hopeful that the cases will not increase.