By Rotary Voices staff
Nigeria’s last case of polio caused by the wild poliovirus was reported on 24 July 2014, and the African continent has had no reported cases since 11 August 2014. The World Health Organization (WHO) removed Nigeria from the list of polio-endemic countries on 25 September. When Nigeria and every country in Africa have gone three years without a case of polio, WHO will certify the region as polio-free.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are now the only remaining countries where polio has never been stopped. Pakistan accounted for nearly 90 percent of the world’s cases in 2014, and experts say it will prove the biggest challenge to global eradication efforts. However, the country has seen recent progress, reporting a nearly 70 percent reduction in cases in the first six months of this year, compared with the same time period in 2014.
The government of Pakistan has set up 1,857 health camps with support from partners and donors. This year alone, over 480,000 people have benefitted from health services at the camps, including 10,000 children who had never received the polio vaccine.
More than ever, we need the support of donors, governments, and our partners to ensure that effective polio eradication campaigns can continue. Learn how you can help as anadvocate for a polio-free world.
Read more about ongoing efforts in Pakistan.
Join us for a World Polio Day global update at 18:30 New York time (UTC-4) on 23 October. Watch the event live or view a recording later, and take part in the conversation.
