Every October 24, World Polio Day highlights global efforts to eradicate polio and the importance of vaccination in protecting children from the disease. It is also an opportunity to highlight the important role of mothers, fathers, caregivers, health workers, and volunteers in ensuring that polio vaccines reach children and their communities, especially those living in remote, hard-to-reach, or border areas.
Thirty-five years ago, in 1991, the last case of poliomyelitis caused by wild poliovirus was reported in the Americas, and in 1994, the Region was certified free of polio. Since then, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has encouraged countries to maintain high and uniform vaccination coverage, strengthen surveillance to promptly detect and investigate any suspected cases, and maintain preparedness to respond rapidly to the risk of potential poliovirus events or outbreaks. Vaccinating, detecting, and responding are essential actions to keep the Americas free of polio.
