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World Polio Day

Join the global fight to end polio - World Polio Day is a day of awareness and action for a healthier future for all!

Saturday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 24

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Let's come together to celebrate World Polio Day on October 24! This day was created in 1988 by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and it is celebrated around the world. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come in fighting against polio since then. While there are still cases of this devastating disease, progress has been made toward its eradication through prevention and immunization initiatives.

TIMELINE

World Polio Day Timeline

Polio Vaccine Discovered

Dr. Jonas Salk introduced the first effective vaccine against polio, which was immediately put into use to prevent further cases of the disease.

Oral Polio Vaccine Introduced

The oral polio vaccine, developed by Albert Sabin, was licensed for use, providing an easier method for immunization against the disease.

Polio Eradicated in the U.S.

After extensive vaccination efforts, the United States reported its last case of wild poliovirus, marking a significant milestone in polio eradication.

Global Polio Eradication Initiative Launched

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a public-private partnership led by national governments, was launched, marking the inception of World Polio Day.

Polio Eradicated in Europe

The World Health Organization declared Europe polio-free, following successful immunization campaigns across the continent.

Africa Declared Free from Wild Polio

Africa reached a milestone by interrupting transmission of the wild poliovirus, leaving the global eradication of polio within closer reach.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Polio Day

Donate to organizations fighting polio

Make a donation to the World Health Organization or another organization dedicated to fighting polio and helping those affected by it.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a fundraising event

Organize a 5k, bake sale, or other fundraising event and donate the proceeds to an organization fighting against polio.

Share information about polio

Share articles, blogs, and videos about polio on social media platforms or create your own content to spread awareness of the disease.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer with an organization

Find a local organization that works towards eradicating polio and volunteer with them. This could involve helping out at vaccination clinics or spreading awareness about the disease in your community.

WRITE

Write letters to your legislators

Write letters to your local and national legislators to urge them to support efforts for global polio eradication.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Polio Day is Important

It helps raise funds for vaccine networks

Organizations like Rotary International are instrumental in providing financial support to vaccination networks around the world which allow us to get closer to our goal of global eradication. World Polio Day also serves as an opportunity for communities all around the planet to come together and raise money for these networks so that more children can be protected from this debilitating disease.

World Polio Day raises awareness of the disease

Raising awareness about polio is important for people to understand both its history and current effects. World Polio Day serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations in the prevention of this terrible disease, and how we can help eradicate it through global immunization efforts.

It celebrates progress towards eradication

Since 1988, thanks to widespread collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, philanthropies and individuals, we have seen great progress in the effort to eradicate polio. World Polio Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate our collective successes in fighting this disease as well as plan further strategies for eliminating it from the face of the Earth.

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