Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. Most know it as polio virus. The virus is spread from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine.

The Facts

• Polio mainly affects children under age 5.
• There is no cure, but polio is preventable with a vaccine.
• Only two countries remain endemic.
• We’ve reduced cases by 99.9% since 1988.
• Until we end polio forever, every child is at risk.

Once polio is eradicated, the world can celebrate the delivery of a major global public good that will benefit all people equally, no matter where they live.

Get invovled this October by:

• Volunteering with the organisation
• Raising awareness on social media
• Organising a fundraiser
• Making a donation

For more information, visit: https://www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day andhttps://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/poliomyelitis