As India marks World Polio Day, it reflects on the successes and challenges it faced in becoming polio-free. After being declared polio-free in 2014, recent detection of Type 2 polio vaccine virus serves as a reminder of the importance of continued vigilance and surveillance. With Pakistan being the only South Asian country still fighting polio, India's journey towards elimination serves as an inspiration for the rest of the region. From making polio vaccination mandatory for travelers to implementing robust surveillance systems, here are five amazing facts about India's journey to becoming polio-free.
India's Remarkable Journey to Eradicate Polio
Background
Polio, a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis, was once a major threat to children globally. In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), aiming to eradicate polio worldwide.
India, with its vast population and challenging terrain, was one of the most formidable battlegrounds in the fight against polio. The country faced numerous obstacles, including low vaccination coverage, poor sanitation, and the circulation of multiple polio strains.
Successes: Eradicating Polio from India
Despite the challenges, India made remarkable strides in its polio eradication efforts. A comprehensive immunization campaign was launched, targeting every child under the age of five. Key strategies included:
In 2014, India was declared polio-free by the WHO. This milestone was a testament to the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, the government, and the support of the Indian people.
Challenges: Continued Vigilance
India's polio-free status remains under constant threat due to factors such as:
Recent detection of Type 2 polio vaccine virus in India serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and surveillance.
Inspiration for the Region
India's success in eradicating polio provides inspiration to other countries facing similar challenges. The lessons learned from India's journey can inform polio eradication efforts globally.
Top 5 FAQs Related to Polio in India
Q1: Is India still polio-free? A: Yes, India has been polio-free since 2014, although there have been recent detections of vaccine-derived polioviruses.
Q2: What is a polio vaccine-derived virus? A: A vaccine-derived poliovirus is a rare type of poliovirus that can circulate in communities that have low vaccination coverage. It can be genetically related to the live polio vaccine used in immunization campaigns.
Q3: What is the significance of the recent detection of Type 2 polio vaccine virus in India? A: It highlights the importance of continued surveillance and vaccination efforts to prevent polio outbreaks and maintain polio-free status.
Q4: What are some of the challenges that India faces in maintaining polio-free status? A: Challenges include importation of poliovirus from neighboring countries, circulation of vaccine-derived polioviruses, and inadequate surveillance in remote areas.
Q5: How can the public support India's efforts to remain polio-free? A: The public can support polio eradication efforts by ensuring their children are vaccinated, reporting any suspected polio cases, and promoting awareness of the importance of polio prevention.
A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified heart disease as the leading cause of mortality globally, with over 39 million deaths recorded in 2021. As the world's population continues to grow, basic amenities face significant challenges, and diseases are spreading due to poor lifestyle choices. Furthermore, the rise in chronic illnesses such as COPD and diabetes among young individuals is a cause for concern. With new technologies and lifestyle advancements, it is essential to prioritize health and consult with medical professionals before making any significant health changes.
A mild earthquake of 4.4 magnitude shook Delhi and neighboring regions on Thursday morning, originating in Haryana's Jhajjar district. The National Centre of Seismology reported that the earthquake was shallow and could have caused significant damage, but there were no immediate reports of any damage. Incessant rainfall and thunderstorms have also affected Delhi's weather, with a red alert issued for the entire Delhi-NCR region. On a positive note, Delhi's air quality index has remained in the satisfactory category for the last 15 days.
Health Minister Veena George confirmed that a 78-year-old woman in Malappuram, who was on the Nipah virus contact list, has tested negative for the virus after her death. Currently, 498 people across the state of Kerala are under observation for the Nipah virus, with the majority of them in Malappuram and Palakkad.
India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, is exploring projects in Norway, where the government is funding the largest carbon storage project in the country. This aligns with India's ambitious energy transition agenda. The project involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources and storing them underground, which can help decarbonise industries and mitigate climate change.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that intermittent fasting might be just as effective as traditional calorie-restricted diets, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions. Despite the limitations of the study, which focused on trials lasting less than 24 weeks, it provides some indication that intermittent fasting can result in weight loss and improved cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the study authors caution that longer-term research is needed to confirm these effects.
Scientific research has found that consistent meditation can provide numerous physical and mental health benefits. By focusing one's attention and letting thoughts come and go without judgment, meditation can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving focus, concentration, and sleep quality. Even brief daily meditation sessions have been found to have positive effects on mood and cognitive function, making it a valuable tool for anyone new to the practice or looking to manage their mental health.
"Kerala's Nipah Contact List Surges to 425, Health Workers and Isolation Measures Strengthened" The Nipah contact list in Kerala has reached a staggering 425 individuals, with Malappuram district recording the highest number of contacts. 12 individuals in Malappuram and one in Palakkad are currently undergoing treatment, with a special focus on mental health support for the public. In a high-level review meeting, it was decided that only samples from contacts would be tested in Palakkad and measures such as ambulance readiness and contact tracing intensified.
A team of archaeologists from the Vindolanda Charity Trust in northern England has discovered a collection of Roman shoes, all measuring over 30 centimeters long, at the Magna Roman Fort in Northumberland. These "giant" shoes, equivalent to size 49 in Europe and size 15 in the US, have left experts baffled as they search for an explanation for their unusual size. The team is now speculating on who may have worn these shoes, and what their presence at this particular site may signify. This discovery sheds new light on the daily life of Roman soldiers stationed at the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site.
"India's Young Cricket Captain Leads the Way: Breaking Records and Comparisons to Legends" Shubman Gill has stepped up as the new captain of the Indian cricket team and proves he is turning out to be a star in his own right. In just his 34th Test, Gill surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's highest score and has outperformed Virat Kohli as well. His leadership skills and batting prowess have earned him recognition and praise from fans and even exhausted opponents. Despite criticism, Gill stayed true to his own tactics and proved himself with an epic inning of 269. He has set a high standard for himself and the Indian team as they continue the series against England.
WHO has released its first-ever global guideline on managing sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy, highlighting the dangers faced by women and their babies. SCD is an inherited blood disorder with potentially fatal consequences, and the health risks intensify during pregnancy. The new guideline aims to improve outcomes for pregnant women with SCD and calls for more investment in evidence-based treatments and disease awareness. With SCD on the rise globally, increasing numbers of maternity care providers need to be equipped to handle its challenges.