World Polio day, 24 October 2021

World Polio day is held annually on the 24 October, with the focus on working towards the global eradication of polio. Since 1988, polio cases have reduced by 99.9% and with effective immunisation, it is possible to eliminate polio. However, high vaccination coverage is required to stop transmission and prevent outbreaks. Polio remains endemic in only 2 countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan, although there are numerous countries that remain susceptible to polio.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative works to eradicate polio worldwide so that children are protected against paralytic poliomyelitis.

• Due to low population immunity, outbreaks of polio continue to emerge and spread in several countries across Asia and Africa.
• Eradicating polio will depend heavily on reaching vulnerable populations - especially children and overcoming political, social, religious and cultural hurdles in areas that are remote or in conflict.
• Globally, two of the three wild poliovirus strains have been eradicated, leaving only wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) still in circulation. Eradicating these strains shows that tactics to vaccinate every child are working and that eradication of all types of poliovirus is possible.

Advice to travellers

Poliomyelitis (polio) is an acute enteroviral infection spread mainly through faecal oral transmission. It is highly infectious and mostly affects children under 5 years of age. The disease can result in permanent paralysis.

• Ensure all travellers are up to date with the UK Vaccination Schedule.
• Check the most recent advice regarding polio vaccination (including if proof of vaccination is required) for all the countries to be visited.
• Travellers should be advised to practice good hand hygiene and safe food and water precautions whilst travelling.

More information can be found on the TRAVAX Polio page.