In the 21st century, polio may be the first disease to be eradicated. Just because we do not hear about polio anymore, does not mean it does not exist. It still does! World Polio Day helps increase awareness worldwide and raise necessary funds. We are extremely close to never seeing this disease ever again!
The massive worldwide vaccination effort over the last 20 years has reduced polio significantly. I'm talking 99% significantly! It does not exist in developed countries but is more prominent in Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Due to a massive worldwide vaccination effort over the last 20 years, polio has been reduced by 99% and could be the second major infectious disease, after smallpox, to ever be eradicated. But the disease is still endemic in four countries: Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The world is changing, one vaccine at a time!
-Shereen Alibhai
SOURCE: Gatesfoundation
