CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -World Polio Day 2022 is observed every year on October 24 to raise awareness about the polio vaccination and eradication of polio from every corner of the world.

Detailed explanation-2: -24 October World Polio Day highlights the global efforts to end poliomyelitis (polio) worldwide. Polio is a life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus, which the World Health Assembly committed to eradicate in 1988.

Detailed explanation-3: -The theme for this year, “World Polio Day 2022 and Beyond: A healthier future for mothers and children”, kicked off with discussions in Geneva between WHO, Rotary International and polio experts, to consider future efforts to continue the decades-long collaboration against polio.

Detailed explanation-4: -24 October, to commemorate the birthday of Jonas Salk. India was declared polio-free in January 2014.

Detailed explanation-5: -At present, only 2 countries worldwide remain with indigenous transmission of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) – Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Afghanistan, in 2022, the WPV1 has left 2 children paralyzed, whereas in Pakistan, 20 children have been affected this year.