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World Polio Day is observed annually on 24 October, the birth date of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis.

It is a global initiative to raise awareness about the fight to eradicate poliomyelitis across the world.

Poliomyelitis, or polio, is caused by a highly infectious virus. It is most often spread by the faecal-oral route, or through contaminated water or food. This is why polio cases are most often seen in areas that lack access to safe water and reliable sanitation, as well as those that have lower rates of immunization.

Anyone who has not been vaccinated can contract – and pass on – the polio virus. However, polio is most common in children under five years of age. There is no cure – only prevention in the form of the polio vaccine.

Armenia has been polio-free since 2002.