23/10/2026
On October 24th, we come together to observe World Polio Day and celebrate the remarkable progress in the fight against polio.
Polio, a life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus, once haunted our world. But in 1988, the World Health Assembly made a historic commitment to eradicate it. Today, the WHO European Region has been polio-free since 2002, thanks to the tireless efforts of many.
This day serves as a reminder of our duty to protect every child from this devastating disease through polio vaccination. It's a day to honour the parents, professionals, and volunteers who dedicate their lives to achieving polio eradication.
To ensure a polio-free future, we must:
- Maintain high immunisation coverage to shield our children.
- Implement high-quality surveillance to swiftly detect any trace of the virus.
- Stay prepared to respond in the event of an outbreak.
Let's continue our united efforts, for a world where every child can thrive without the fear of polio. Together, we are making history!