Polio Returns After Nearly Being Eradicated: A Global Health Crisis
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that affects the brain and spine, and can cause paralysis, breathing difficulty, and in more serious cases, death. The disease was nearly eliminated in the late 1990s but has resurged in recent years due to controversy, mismanagement, and breakdowns in vaccination protocols. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially reclassified polio as a global health emergency, with cases being reported around the world in countries that had previously been declared polio-free. Here, we’ll take a look at the causes of this resurgence and what must be done in order to put an end to this resurgence and ensure polio never returns.
What is Polio?
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread through saliva, mucus, and other bodily secretions and is easily spread from person to person. It affects the central nervous system, causing paralysis, breathing difficulty and even death in serious cases. Polio mainly affects children under the age of five, as their bodies are not yet fully developed and thus lacking immunity to the virus. The virus is still endemic in parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria, and continues to spread around the world via those countries.
What Caused the Resurgence of Polio?
The resurgence of the polio virus can be attributed to several different factors. Firstly, there is controversy surrounding the polio vaccine itself, with some people claiming that it is not safe and even claiming it is ineffective. Additionally, there have been instances of mismanagement of the vaccine, with improper storage or distribution leading to some doses being wasted or spoiled. Finally, a breakdown in vaccination protocols – that is, the failure to ensure everyone in an at-risk population is vaccinated – has caused outbreaks of the disease in places it had been eradicated.
How are Countries Responding to the Resurgence of Polio?
The WHO declared polio a global health emergency in 2019, and since then, countries have been taking steps to combat the resurgence of the disease. Several governments have implemented mass vaccination campaigns to ensure that everyone in an at-risk population is properly vaccinated. Funding has also been allocated to healthcare programs to ensure that everyone has access to the vaccines. Additionally, countries are using tracking systems to ensure that the vaccines are being properly handled and that they are making their way to those who need them.
What Needs to Be Done to Eliminate Polio?
In order to effectively eliminate polio, it is essential that governments and health organizations around the world work together to ensure that the disease remains eradicated. Vaccinations must be properly managed and administered to ensure everyone is properly vaccinated. Additionally, it is essential that governments provide funding for research into the disease, in order to create vaccinations and treatments if needed. Finally, improved healthcare access and education are necessary to ensure that everyone is aware of the risks of contracting the virus and the benefits of being vaccinated against it.
The resurgence of the polio virus is a global health crisis, and one that must be dealt with in a swift and efficient manner. Through proper management of the vaccine, improved education, and enhanced healthcare access, the world can eliminate the virus once again and ensure that it never returns. With united action and dedication, the world can ensure that no more children ever have to suffer from the debilitating effects of the virus.
