What should you know about polio eradication who?

Eradication means stopping ongoing transmission so poliovirus no longer continues to circulate. The work involves national health services, laboratories, community health workers, and international partners. Teams look for cases of sudden flaccid weakness, investigate possible contacts, test samples, and map where virus may be moving. Vaccination campaigns and routine immunisation close immunity gaps, while sanitation and public communication support safer communities.

Families support eradication by accepting recommended polio vaccination, keeping records available, and bringing children to routine or campaign doses when advised. Report sudden weakness or loss of movement promptly to a healthcare service. Wash hands after toilet use or nappy changes, use safe water, and follow instructions from local health authorities during an investigation. Childhood Immunisation provides practical information about routine protection.

Get urgent medical help for sudden weakness, difficulty standing or walking, swallowing trouble, or breathing difficulty. A child with fever and new loss of movement needs prompt assessment even when the symptoms seem limited. Early reporting helps clinicians provide care and allows public-health teams to investigate possible transmission; it does not mean the diagnosis is already confirmed.

Ask whether your child is due any routine or campaign doses, how to report sudden weakness, and what steps to take after contact with a suspected case. If travelling, ask whether the destination has additional vaccination advice for your household.