24th October 2023
Own correspondent
Botswana has jopined other countries around the globe in celebrating World Polio Day with the aim of raising awareness about polio and highlighting global efforts towards a polio-free world.
The day is also used to honor the tireless contributions of those on the frontlines of the fight against the eradication of polio from the face of the earth. Furthermore, World Polio Day serves as a crucial reminder to nations across the world, to remain watchful in preventing the resurgence of the disease within their borders.
World Polio Day is commemorated on the 24 th of October every year. This year, the day is commemorated under the theme: “Make Polio History.” This year’s theme symbolizes the global commitment to eradicating polio, reflecting on past progress, and rallying collective efforts to ensure that polio is no longer a threat to public health.
It is a reminder of the ongoing work to consign polio to the annals of history. The theme also emphasizes
the collective effort required to achieve this goal. It is not the work of one organization or country but a collaborative endeavor involving multiple stakeholders, governments, healthcare workers, and communities.
Polio is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. It presents with sudden weakness or paralysis of the arm(s) and or leg(s). Polio is spread when a person eats food or drinks water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.
The disease is most likely to spread in areas where there is poor sanitation. Polio can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children under the age of five.
The Ministry of Health therefore, urges parents and caregivers to ensure that all children aged 5 years and below, are vaccinated against Polio. Furthermore, hand washing before handling food or feeding children is highly encouraged. The ministry also advises everyone to wash their hands after using the toilet.
