Building a Healthier World: India’s Triumph Over Polio

NAME: Rajwala Garg

 Polio, or poliomyelitis, was once one of the world’s most feared diseases. It mainly affected children under five, causing paralysis and even death. It spread through contaminated water and food, with poor sanitation and hygiene making it worse. For decades, India struggled with thousands of polio cases every year.

But hope came with science and determination. The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) was introduced in the 1980s and made mass immunization possible. In 1995, India launched the Pulse Polio Immunization Program, which mobilized health workers and volunteers to deliver vaccines to every child under five—even in the most remote villages. The campaign used colorful posters, jingles, and community leaders to spread awareness.

Finally, in 2014, India was declared Polio-free by the World Health Organization. This was a proud moment for the nation and an example of how determination, science, and public cooperation can create a healthier world.

I also spoke to my grandmother about her memories of polio. She shared how her cousin was paralyzed at a young age due to polio and how scared families were back then. When vaccines became available, the community united to ensure all children were protected. She told me, “Vaccines gave us hope, freedom, and a future without fear.”

India’s success didn’t stop at its borders. Today, Indian companies like Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India supply affordable vaccines to many countries, helping the world fight other diseases like measles, tuberculosis, and even COVID-19.

Through this project, I realized how important vaccination is, not just for one child but for the entire community. I learned that even a small action, like ensuring a child is vaccinated, can change history.