Date
Friday
Oct
24

October 24

World Polio Day

Join the global fight to end polio - World Polio Day is a day of awareness and action for a healthier future for all!

Yearly Date
October 24
Type
Day
Category
Health

Introduction

Let's come together to celebrate World Polio Day on October 24! This day was created in 1988 by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and it is celebrated around the world. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come in fighting against polio since then. While there are still cases of this devastating disease, progress has been made toward its eradication through prevention and immunization initiatives.

World Polio Day Timeline

1955
Polio Vaccine Discovered
Dr. Jonas Salk introduced the first effective vaccine against polio, which was immediately put into use to prevent further cases of the disease.
1961
Oral Polio Vaccine Introduced
The oral polio vaccine, developed by Albert Sabin, was licensed for use, providing an easier method for immunization against the disease.
1979
Polio Eradicated in the U.S.
After extensive vaccination efforts, the United States reported its last case of wild poliovirus, marking a significant milestone in polio eradication.
1988
Global Polio Eradication Initiative Launched
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a public-private partnership led by national governments, was launched, marking the inception of World Polio Day.
2002
Polio Eradicated in Europe
The World Health Organization declared Europe polio-free, following successful immunization campaigns across the continent.
2020
Africa Declared Free from Wild Polio
Africa reached a milestone by interrupting transmission of the wild poliovirus, leaving the global eradication of polio within closer reach.

How to Celebrate World Polio Day

1

Donate to organizations fighting polio

Make a donation to the World Health Organization or another organization dedicated to fighting polio and helping those affected by it.

2

Participate in a fundraising event

Organize a 5k, bake sale, or other fundraising event and donate the proceeds to an organization fighting against polio.

3

Share information about polio

Share articles, blogs, and videos about polio on social media platforms or create your own content to spread awareness of the disease.

4

Volunteer with an organization

Find a local organization that works towards eradicating polio and volunteer with them. This could involve helping out at vaccination clinics or spreading awareness about the disease in your community.

5

Write letters to your legislators

Write letters to your local and national legislators to urge them to support efforts for global polio eradication.

Why World Polio Day is Important

A

World Polio Day raises awareness of the disease

Raising awareness about polio is important for people to understand both its history and current effects. World Polio Day serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations in the prevention of this terrible disease, and how we can help eradicate it through global immunization efforts.

B

It celebrates progress towards eradication

Since 1988, thanks to widespread collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, philanthropies and individuals, we have seen great progress in the effort to eradicate polio. World Polio Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate our collective successes in fighting this disease as well as plan further strategies for eliminating it from the face of the Earth.

C

It helps raise funds for vaccine networks

Organizations like Rotary International are instrumental in providing financial support to vaccination networks around the world which allow us to get closer to our goal of global eradication. World Polio Day also serves as an opportunity for communities all around the planet to come together and raise money for these networks so that more children can be protected from this debilitating disease.

World Polio Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Oct 23
Monday
2024
Oct 23
Wednesday
2025
Oct 23
Thursday
2026
Oct 23
Friday
2027
Oct 23
Saturday