• April 28, 2024

How to eradicate polio? Cases of poliomyelitis have been reduced by more than 99% since 1988; in 2012, 223 cases are reported worldwide and the affected nations are Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan , according to the World Health Organization (WHO)

Although the number is going down, it is necessary to use all resources to eradicate this highly contagious viral disease, because with an infected child, all countries are at risk of contracting polio.

In other words, if you do not have enough resources to fight this disease, you could register 200 thousand new cases per year, within the next 10 years around the world, says the WHO.

Therefore, foundations Bill & Melinda Gates and Carlos Slim join with other leaders to donate funds to the Initiative Global for the Eradication of Polio (GPEI, for its acronym in English), as well as Strategic Plan for its eradication.

It is a six-year plan that is developed to eradicate this disease completely from the world and has four objectives:

1. Detect and interrupt the transmission of all polioviruses
2. Strengthen immunization systems and withdraw oral polio vaccine
3. Contain the polio virus and certify the interruption of the contagion
4. Legacy of the Polio Plan

The main actions will be carried out in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria, because the characteristics of accessibility and insecurity make adequate vaccination difficult.

Entrepreneurs Carlos Slim and Bill Gates say that to eradicate 100% of this disease will require five thousand 500 million dollars in the next six years. In this way, the Carlos Slim Foundation will contribute to the cause with 100 million dollars.

Polio, 100% preventable

Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects children under five years of age. The virus is transmitted through contaminated food or water and multiplies in the intestine.

By disposing of the virus through the faeces, all people are exposed, so the contagion can spread to a large number of people.

The symptoms of this disease that affects the nervous system are: fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiff neck and pain in the extremities. In some cases it can generate permanent paralysis.

Although there is no cure for polio, it can be prevented through vaccination, which can protect the child throughout his life.

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