Journey of Polio Eradication: Challenges and Progress

Understanding Polio and Its Eradication

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under five years of age. This virus attacks the nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis, respiratory issues, and, in severe cases, death. The virus spreads mainly through contact with fecal matter from infected individuals or through contaminated food and water.

Historical Context of Polio

Polio has posed a significant global health threat for centuries. Historical records, including ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, depict victims with withered limbs as a result of the disease. The severity of polio was particularly pronounced before the advent of vaccines in the 1950s. For example:

• 1916 New York Outbreak: Over 2,000 deaths and more than 3,000 cases of paralysis were reported.
• 1952 U.S. Outbreak: This outbreak was catastrophic, resulting in over 3,000 deaths and thousands of paralysis cases, with many survivors facing lifelong disabilities.

Global Efforts to Eradicate Polio

The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a global polio eradication campaign in 1988, inspired by the successful eradication of smallpox. This resolution has since led to intensified efforts worldwide, significantly reducing polio cases.

Challenges in Eradicating Polio

Despite notable progress, eradicating polio remains challenging due to several factors:

• Geographical Challenges: Regions like Afghanistan and Pakistan, often affected by conflict, present significant barriers to vaccination campaigns.
• Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation: In some communities, misinformation regarding vaccines has contributed to lower vaccination rates.
• Persistence of the Virus: Even a small percentage of unvaccinated individuals can lead to outbreaks, as the virus spreads rapidly in under-immunized communities.
• Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV): In rare instances, the weakened virus in the oral polio vaccine can mutate, leading to outbreaks in communities with insufficient vaccination.

Polio Status in India

India was declared polio-free on January 13, 2011, after three consecutive years without new cases of wild poliovirus. The WHO certified the Southeast Asia region, including India, as polio-free on March 27, 2014. India faced significant challenges in eliminating polio due to its large population and diverse geography.

Current Global Challenges in Polio Eradication

The fight against polio continues globally, with challenges such as:

• Remaining Endemic Countries: Polio continues to be endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with occasional outbreaks in parts of Africa.
• High Vaccination Coverage: Achieving at least 95% vaccination coverage is essential to halt outbreaks, yet factors like conflict and poor healthcare infrastructure hinder this in many areas.
• Mutation Risk: Although the oral polio vaccine is effective, the live virus can, in rare cases, mutate and lead to new outbreaks.

Future Steps Towards Global Eradication

The WHO and its partners aim to eradicate polio by 2026. This ambitious goal requires sustained vaccination efforts, especially in high-risk areas, and continuous monitoring to prevent outbreaks caused by vaccine-derived polioviruses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is polio and how does it spread?
Answer: Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a viral disease that primarily affects children and spreads through fecal matter or contaminated food and water.

Q2. When did the global efforts to eradicate polio begin?
Answer: The global polio eradication initiative began in 1988 when the WHO passed a resolution to eliminate the disease worldwide.

Q3. Why is polio still a challenge in certain areas?
Answer: Areas like Afghanistan and Pakistan face challenges due to conflict, misinformation about vaccines, and low vaccination rates, hindering eradication efforts.

Q4. Is India still considered polio-free?
Answer: Yes, India has been declared polio-free since January 13, 2011, and the WHO certified the Southeast Asia region as polio-free in 2014.

Q5. What are the future goals for polio eradication?
Answer: The WHO aims to eradicate polio by 2026 through sustained vaccination efforts and monitoring to prevent outbreaks from vaccine-derived polioviruses.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary transmission route of the poliovirus?
A) Airborne transmission
B) Contact with infected fecal matter
C) Animal bites
D) Blood transfusion
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: In which year did the WHO initiate the global polio eradication campaign?
A) 1980
B) 1988
C) 1995
D) 2000
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which two countries are currently endemic for polio?
A) India and Nigeria
B) Afghanistan and Pakistan
C) Somalia and Chad
D) Bangladesh and Egypt
Correct Answer: B