Polio, medically known as poliomyelitis, is an acute infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. Through large-scale vaccination and other prevention measures globally, the incidence of polio has significantly declined.
- **Achievements**: Since the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, polio cases have been reduced by over 99%. Many countries and regions have successfully eliminated the transmission of wild poliovirus, achieving polio-free status.
- **Remaining Challenges**: Despite this, polio cases still persist in a few areas. For example, in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, wild poliovirus continues to circulate due to factors such as local security challenges, weak health infrastructure, and insufficient vaccination coverage. Additionally, cases caused by vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) remain a concern. In regions with low immunization coverage, the live attenuated virus in the oral polio vaccine (OPV) can mutate during prolonged community transmission, regaining its ability to cause disease.
While remarkable progress has been made in eradicating polio worldwide, the disease has not yet been completely eliminated. Continued strengthening of surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and prevention measures is essential to achieve the ultimate goal of a polio-free world.
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