Every year on 24 October, the world observes World Polio Day to remind us that the fight against the poliovirus is not over. Polio is a disease that can change a child’s life forever, yet it can be stopped through a few simple drops of vaccine. For Pakistan, this day carries a deep message , awareness, action, and truth. Our country has made big progress, but myths and fear still block the final step toward a polio-free Pakistan.
What Is Polio and Why It Still Matters in Pakistan
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a serious disease caused by the poliovirus. It attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, mostly in young children. The virus spreads easily through contaminated water or poor hygiene.
In Pakistan, polio remains a public health concern because some families still refuse polio vaccination due to false beliefs. Many rural or hard-to-reach areas also make it difficult for health workers to reach every child. Even though most of the world is polio-free, Pakistan is among the few countries where the virus still exists — which is why polio awareness is so important today.
The Purpose of World Polio Day — Global and Local Insights
World Polio Day is observed every year on 24 October to honor the birth of Dr. Jonas Salk, the scientist who developed the first polio vaccine. The day reminds us of the global promise made in 1988 by the World Health Assembly to end polio once and for all.
Globally, countries have worked together under the Polio Eradication Initiative, supported by WHO, UNICEF, and Rotary International. Many regions, including the WHO European Region, have already been declared polio-free.
In Pakistan, World Polio Day highlights our national polio eradication efforts and the hard work of local health teams. Every campaign brings us closer to a future where no child will ever suffer from this preventable disease.
Common Myths About Polio Vaccination in Pakistan
Misinformation is one of the biggest hurdles in ending polio. Many myths still circulate in Pakistan, creating confusion and fear among parents. Let’s look at some common ones:
Myth 1 — Polio Drops Cause Health Problems
This is false. Polio drops are safe, tested, and approved by the World Health Organization. Millions of Pakistani children receive them safely every year. The vaccine strengthens a child’s body to fight the polio virus before it can cause harm.
Myth 2 — Polio Is Already Gone from Pakistan
Polio has decreased, but it has not disappeared. Environmental samples from several cities still show traces of the virus, which means the danger is not over yet.
Myth 3 — Vaccines Are Not Needed in Clean Areas
Even clean areas are not risk-free. The virus can travel through water or contact. If even one child is left unvaccinated, it puts others at risk. Polio vaccination remains the best protection for everyone.
Pakistan’s Ongoing Fight Against Polio
Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Programme has been active for decades, supported by national and global partners like WHO, UNICEF, and the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). Thousands of health workers go door to door during every campaign, often working in tough conditions to ensure no child is left behind.
Since the 1990s, polio cases have dropped by more than 95%. Still, certain regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan continue to face outbreaks due to low vaccination coverage. Awareness, trust, and continued cooperation between communities and health teams are key to breaking the virus’s chain.
The success stories of volunteers and parents who make sure every child in their area gets vaccinated show that together, Pakistan can truly end polio.
How Polio Vaccination Protects Every Child
Polio vaccines, whether oral drops or injections, train the body’s immune system to fight the virus before it attacks. They are free, simple, and safe. In Pakistan, National Immunization Days (NIDs) are organized several times a year to reach all children under five.
Every dose matters. Even if a child has taken previous drops, boosters increase protection. When all children receive their vaccines, the virus loses its power to spread — and this is how communities become stronger and healthier. Polio awareness is the first step toward prevention.
What You Can Do on World Polio Day
Each person can play a part in the fight to end polio. Parents should ensure every child under five gets the polio vaccination during every campaign. Teachers can share facts in classrooms. Communities can support and thank local health teams.
You can also spread awareness online — share correct information and encourage others to vaccinate their children. Small steps like these bring us closer to a Pakistan that is safe from polio forever.
On this World Polio Day, let’s stand together for truth, science, and hope — because every drop truly counts.
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