Latest News from End Polio Now

Dec 2024: The number of cases of all forms of polio continues to decline

As of 4th December 2024, 81 cases of polio caused by the ‘natural’ virus have been identified, 56 in Pakistan and 25 in Afghanistan. In addition, the presence of the polio virus has been detected in Europe, in Germany, Poland and Spain.

Analysis of waste-water samples taken In November this year in London, West Sussex and Leeds have indicated the presence of the vaccine-derived polio virus. Once again this underlines the fact that as long as the virus is active somewhere in the world, it can appear anywhere in the world.

However, it should be noted that the number of cases of all forms of polio continues to decline. Last year – by December – 394 cases of polio caused by the circulating vaccine-based variant were recorded. This year the number of reported cases is down to 227.

Rotary’s commitment is to eliminate all forms of polio – and we continue to make progress towards that aim.

Please find attached the December Newsletter from the PolioPlus Society for more information and think about becoming a member of the PolioPlus Society with a regular donation of $100 per annum.