In 1985, the Rotary Club of International (RI) launched the PolioPlus program to simultaneously eradicate polio, measles, diphtheria, tuberculosis, pertussis, and tetanus.This program was initiated by both members Yamada and Mine of District 2580 Tokyo Kojimachi RC.
What is polio
Polio (acute poliomyelitis) is a highly contagious disease, especially in children under the age of five.In Japan, it is also commonly called ``pediatric paralysis''.Poliovirus is transmitted from person to person, most commonly through contaminated water.It can also affect the nervous system, which can lead to paralysis.There is no cure, but it can be prevented with a safe vaccine.To date, Rotary and its partners have helped vaccinate more than 5 billion children around the world.
The state of polio
Since 1988, polio cases worldwide have decreased by 99.9%.Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where polio is still endemic.
Polio Update: Pakistan and Afghanistan (2021)
