Important Days 24 October 2026
World Polio Day 2026 Observed on October 24
Why in the News?
**World Polio Day 2026** was observed on **Saturday, October 24, 2026**, to accelerate global polio eradication efforts and mark the birth anniversary of **Dr. Jonas Salk**, developer of the first successful inactivated polio vaccine.
Key Features / Major Points:
- 2026 Theme: **"One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio" / "Together, We End Polio"**.
- Endemic Countries: As of 2026, **Afghanistan and Pakistan** remain the only two countries globally with active wild poliovirus transmission.
- Global Progress: Wild poliovirus cases have plunged by over **99%** since the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988.
- Africa Region Milestone: Over 168 million children across 22 African countries received polio vaccines between Jan-Sep 2026. Outbreaks were officially declared closed in Burundi, Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, and Uganda in August 2026.
- India’s Status: India was certified **polio-free in March 2014** (no wild polio cases since January 2011), maintaining high population immunity through routine surveillance.
Static GK Facts:
- History: Instituted by Rotary International to honor Dr. Jonas Salk.
- About Poliomyelitis: Infectious viral disease affecting the nervous system, potentially leading to irreversible paralysis or death.
- Vaccines:
- **IPV (Injectable/Inactivated Polio Vaccine):** Developed by Dr. Jonas Salk in 1955.
- **OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine):** Developed by Dr. Albert Sabin in 1961.
- Pulse Polio Programme India: Launched in **1995**.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: On which date is World Polio Day observed annually, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr. Jonas Salk?
A: October 24
Q: Which two countries remain endemic for wild poliovirus transmission as of 2026?
A: Afghanistan and Pakistan
Q: In which year was India officially certified polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO)?
A: 2014 (March 2014)
Q: Who developed the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)?
A: Dr. Albert Sabin
#WorldPolioDay2026 #EndPolio #RotaryInternational #WHO #GPEI #JonasSalk #CurrentAffairs #StaticGK