Polio is an infectious disease that primarily affects young children and has been around for thousands of years. 
Medically reviewed by Dr Rehaam Ali Khan 



Poliovirus spreads through contact with an infected person’s stool, saliva, or respiratory secretions. Polio can cause paralysis, and in some cases, death. In the past century, polio caused severe epidemics worldwide, however due to advancements in vaccines and treatments, polio has become less common in many parts of the world. 

In 1988 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a goal of global eradication of polio by 2000. Since then great progress has been made towards eliminating this virus - including reducing polio cases by 99%. However, even today there are still 3 countries - Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria - where polio remains endemic. This means that the virus continues to circulate in these areas. 

Since 2019 we have seen resurgence in polio cases reported from those 3 countries and recent studies have linked the re-emergence of the virus to conflict-torn regions which lack health infrastructure and resources. Unfortunately this resurgence has prevented a world without polio - one of our global public health goals - from being realized. 

So what can be done? Vaccination remains a critical part of achieving our goal. To further improve immunization rates, WHO recommends improving access to vaccines and creating national vaccination plans for high risk areas in order to better reach those populations most at risk for infection. In addition to increasing vaccinations, improving access to safe water supplies is also essential for controlling outbreaks as this will help reduce contact with contaminated sewage systems and other potential sources of infection with polioviruses. 

Polio is a dangerous disease that affects millions worldwide but together we can eliminate it for good! With more education about preventative measures such as vaccinations and improved access to clean water sources we can create a future free from this deadly virus.