Source: European Parliament
World Polio Day emphasizes the worldwide commitment to eradicating poliomyelitis (polio) and raises awareness about the crucial role of vaccination in protecting children, especially those under 5, from this serious infectious disease. Polio targets the nervous system and can cause paralysis of various parts of the body. It can be fatal if the respiratory muscles are immobilized. Since the 1980s vaccination campaigns have reduced the incidence of polio by more than 99%.