EVER CLOSER TO A POLIO-FREE WORLD
An epidemic in 1950 saw little ones die or become crippled for life. All that changed with the advent of the Salk vaccine, first the injected Salk and later with Sabin drops - started to have a rapid effect and the numbers of new cases dwindle to a trickle.
During the 1970 polio immunisation was introduced worldwide a part of national immunization programs, helping to control the disease in many developing countries.
In 1988, 1000 new polio cases globally were reported each day with 125 countries infected with polio. In that year the Global Polio Eradication Initiative began, with the World Health Organization and Rotary International two of its significant advovates. Since then, more than 2.5 biliion chidren have been vaccinated against polio thanks to the cooperation of more than 200 countries and 20 million volunteers, backed by an international investment of more than US$ 11 billion.
UNSUNG HEROES. Since 2012 in Nigeria 16 vaccinators have been murdered by insurgent attacks, while in Pakistan 32 health workers and 36 security personnel working with vaccinators have paid the ultimate price for their commitment.
'We are aiming to holt all transmission of wild polio virus next year (2016)', said Peter Crowley, the head of UNICEF's global efforts against polio. If this happens, it will be only the 2nd human disease to be eliminated. Smallpox was the 1st (last case was in 1977).
What a great day when polio too is consigned to the dustbin of history (Janet Lawrence).