World Polio Day, but the disease still exists

The date of 24 October is designated as World Polio Day, to emphasise global efforts to eradicate the disease. This goal was originally set by the World Health Assembly in 1988. In 2002, Italy was officially certified as a polio-free country, thus acquiring the designation of polio-free status. In the same year, the disease was officially declared eradicated by the WHO European region. However, it persists in some areas of the world, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, where conflicts and logistical difficulties hinder the implementation of vaccination programmes. It is therefore necessary to maintain high vaccination coverage and implement effective surveillance measures until the virus is completely eradicated.  Poliomyelitis was first described in 1789. It was first recorded in Europe in the early 19th century and in the United States shortly after. Italy has mandated the administration of polio vaccination since 1966. The last documented case of indigenous polio occurred in 1982. At present, there is no cure for polio; rather, only symptomatic treatment is available, and even this can only partially mitigate the effects of the disease.