Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under the age of 5. The virus spreads person-to-person, typically through contaminated water, and can lead to paralysis or even death in severe cases.
On August 25, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the African continent free of wild poliovirus, a landmark achievement in public health history.
Africa’s success in eradicating wild poliovirus was the result of coordinated efforts, including:
- Vaccination Campaigns: Extensive immunization programs reaching millions of children, even in remote and conflict-affected areas.
- Community Engagement: Mobilization of local leaders, volunteers, and health workers to raise awareness and ensure vaccine delivery.
- Surveillance Systems: Establishing robust networks to detect and respond to cases of acute flaccid paralysis.
- International Collaboration: Support from global health organizations like WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Africa joins five other WHO regions certified as wild poliovirus-free, marking a significant step toward global polio eradication.
Reference: World Health Organization. “African Region Declared Free of Wild Poliovirus.” World Health Organization, August 25, 2020. Accessed August 26, 2020.
[WHO Polio-Free Africa](https://www.who.int/news/item/25-08-2020-african-region-declared-free-of-wild-poliovirus)
