X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Polio: Nearly eradicated but still paralyzes children worldwide

3 min read

17 children were left paralyzed by an outbreak of Polio in war-torn Syria recently, reports the New York Times.

Despite the efforts of humanitarian organizations to help vaccinate the children of Syria, their security becomes a concern. Those who do make it into the area, face different challenges altogether.

The last Polio outbreak was reported in 2013.

“These vaccine-derived outbreaks really are a marker of poor vaccination and poor sanitation in the community,” Dr. Homer Venters, director of programs at Physicians for Human Rights, told the New York Times.

The World Health Organization defines Polio as “a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children. The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the fecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (e.g. contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and can cause paralysis.”

Polio: Nearly eradicated but still paralyzes children worldwide

photo: flickr

One in 200 cases of Polio results in permanent leg paralysis. Those under the age of 5 are most at risk for contracting the disease, which has no known cure. The only way to fight it is through immunization, or the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), which has been known to reduce infections by 99%.

Thanks to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), 3 billion children worldwide have been vaccinated since they launched their efforts back in 1998.

Though the Philippines was declared Polio-free in 2000, there are many other parts of the world, specifically countries with weak health systems, that are still fighting to eradicate it.

Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. As of 2015, cases have also been reported all over Africa.

Though OPV has been the main weapon against Polio, Rappler reports that there have been rare cases when it was the cause of the infection as a result of “genetic reversion” or “vaccine-derived virus.”

At least one dose of Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which doesn’t only weaken but kills Polio, is recommended to hasten the fight against Polio, as part of the GPEI’s Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan.

“To eradicate polio, we must first create an immunity umbrella. IPV is that new tool in the global eradication of polio,” Dr T. John Jacob, chairman of the Child Health Foundation in India told Rappler. “Our endgame is to eradicate polio by 2018.”

READ: The Pinoy parent’s guide to their child’s immunization schedule

Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Partner Stories
Nakakabahalang stretch mark habang nagbubuntis: Ano ang mabisang pantanggal ng stretch mark?
Nakakabahalang stretch mark habang nagbubuntis: Ano ang mabisang pantanggal ng stretch mark?
Drinking Milk During Pregnancy: Is It Really Necessary?
Drinking Milk During Pregnancy: Is It Really Necessary?
Meals and Snacks Perfect for the Third Trimester
Meals and Snacks Perfect for the Third Trimester
Mommy Meals: A Comprehensive Meal Plan for a Healthy Pregnancy
Mommy Meals: A Comprehensive Meal Plan for a Healthy Pregnancy

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

ddc-calendar
Get ready for the baby’s arrival by adding your due date.
OR
Calculate your due date
img
Written by

Bianchi Mendoza

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Pregnancy
  • /
  • Polio: Nearly eradicated but still paralyzes children worldwide
Share:
  • Paninigas ng tiyan ng buntis 19 weeks: Sintomas ng 19 weeks pregnant

    Paninigas ng tiyan ng buntis 19 weeks: Sintomas ng 19 weeks pregnant

  • What is a rainbow baby? Here's what you need to know

    What is a rainbow baby? Here's what you need to know

  • Folic Acid: Why it's important for pregnant moms to take it in the First Trimester

    Folic Acid: Why it's important for pregnant moms to take it in the First Trimester

  • Paninigas ng tiyan ng buntis 19 weeks: Sintomas ng 19 weeks pregnant

    Paninigas ng tiyan ng buntis 19 weeks: Sintomas ng 19 weeks pregnant

  • What is a rainbow baby? Here's what you need to know

    What is a rainbow baby? Here's what you need to know

  • Folic Acid: Why it's important for pregnant moms to take it in the First Trimester

    Folic Acid: Why it's important for pregnant moms to take it in the First Trimester

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pagbubuntis.