Poliomyelitis Emergency

In 2012, there is a decrease in cases of viral poliomyelitis. Only three countries (Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan) remain polio-endemic, whereas in 1988 that number included more than 125 countries. However, WHO officials are concerned that organizations today do not have sufficient funds to combat this dangerous disease. There is a possibility that the lack of funding will lead to another outbreak of polio in the world. Sona Bari, a spokesman for the WHO polio eradication program, said that the current situation with the disease could be characterized as a “now or never, or the turning point between success and failure.” If we do not take urgent action, 200,000 children worldwide may suffer from polio in the next decade.

Poliomyelitis History

The first vaccine against polio was developed in the 1950-s, the second “edition” reduced the cases by more than 99%. However, in recent years, the efforts to eradicate the disease give little or no result. There is not enough money. In order to successfully fight against polio in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria, more than a billion dollars is needed, and next year the sum will rise to two billion. There is another problem: these countries still have military conflicts, and so it is very difficult to be vaccinated there. Religious leaders, who have great influence on the people, also interfere with the medical activity and forbid the citizens to be vaccinated. The issue of additional funding will be discussed by the ministers of health around the world at a meeting of the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Poliomyelitis Facts

WHO: Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by the virus. It invades the nervous system and in a few hours can lead to total paralysis. The virus enters the body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. The first symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness and pain in the limbs. One in 200 cases of infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). 5-10% of the number of paralyzed die due to paralysis of respiratory muscles. The children under the age of 5 years face the greatest risk. There is no treatment for polio, it can only be prevented. The repeatedly provided polio vaccine can protect a child for the period of his/her life.