Polio

Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute Unite to Fight Polio Together

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Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute Join Forces in Global Fight Against Polio – A Game-Changing Collaboration for Eradication Efforts Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India join forces to combat polio globally In a significant move towards eradicating polio worldwide, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India have come together in a collaborative effort. This partnership aims to enhance the production and supply security of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) as part of the ongoing fight against polio. The agreement between the two renowned pharmaceutical companies involves working together on obtaining joint regulatory approvals and commercial manufacturing of OPVs in India. Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman, and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, emphasized the crucial role of OPVs in the global mission to eradicate polio. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, expressed unwavering dedication to the cause of eliminating polio worldwide through the combined efforts of both companies. The collaboration extends to include Bilthoven Biologicals B.V., a move aimed at producing oral polio vaccines within India. With joint regulatory approvals and licenses for manufacturing OPVs for both domestic and global markets, this partnership holds the promise of significantly boosting the production and supply security of OPVs in the quest for a polio-free world. Bharat Biotech, with a production capacity of 500 million doses of oral vaccines annually, and Serum Institute of India, in collaboration with Bilthoven Biologicals, with a manufacturing capacity of over 20 million vaccine doses per year, are set to make a substantial impact on global polio eradication efforts. The collaboration is not just limited to OPVs. Bilthoven Biologicals, which was acquired in 2012 for its technology in producing Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), adds another dimension to the partnership. This move marks a remarkable shift from past differences between the two companies, underscoring a shared focus on joint endeavors in the battle against polio through the production and distribution of vital vaccines. With Bharat Biotech’s WHO pre-qualified OPV, Biopolio, playing a crucial role in supporting polio eradication initiatives, and the collective expertise and resources of all three entities coming together, the collaboration is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the global fight against polio.

India’s successful fight against polio sets global example for eradication efforts

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India’s triumph over polio, declared polio-free in 2014, showcases a beacon of success in global eradication efforts. Through national immunisation days and relentless vaccination campaigns, India’s achievement stands as a model for the world’s fight against polio. As the last poliovirus case was reported in 2011, India’s experience in combating the disease offers valuable lessons for battling not only polio but also other infectious diseases like COVID-With ongoing vaccination efforts and collaborative initiatives, the journey towards a polio-free world persists with unwavering optimism and determination. In 2014, India achieved a remarkable milestone in public health by being declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). This achievement was a result of dedicated efforts through national and sub-national immunisation days, which significantly improved vaccination coverage across the country. The success in controlling polio in India not only showcases the importance of continued vaccination efforts but also serves as a model for the global fight against the disease. The experience gained from combating polio can also be instrumental in vaccination campaigns against other diseases, including the current battle against COVID-19. India’s last reported poliovirus case was in 2011 in West Bengal, leading to the official certification of the country as polio-free in 2014. The Pulse Polio immunisation programme played a crucial role by conducting multiple rounds of vaccinations for children up to age five, ensuring widespread immunity. Healthcare workers in India overcame various obstacles, such as floods and remote terrains, to reach children with life-saving vaccines. Additionally, a robust surveillance network continuously monitored poliovirus circulation, allowing for real-time data-driven strategies to be implemented effectively. Global efforts and collaboration among various organizations also played a vital role in distributing vaccines widely, leading to a 99.9% reduction in wild polio incidence. Despite this success, it is essential for India to maintain its vaccination efforts to safeguard population immunity and protect children from polio. The journey towards eradicating polio worldwide continues with optimism, determination, and a shared belief in a future free from this debilitating disease. Collaboration and sustained vaccination efforts are key to achieving a polio-free world for future generations. Read also :Uncontrolled diabetes leads to blindness during Prevention of Blindness Week 2024

Man Dies After Living in Iron Lung for 70 Years Due to Polio

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The remarkable life and legacy of Polio Paul, who spent 70 years in an iron lung after being paralyzed by polio, comes to an end. Despite his challenges, he inspired many with his resilience and accomplishments. In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring story, Paul Alexander, famously known as “Polio Paul”, lived an extraordinary life spending 70 years inside an iron lung after being paralyzed by polio in 1952. His recent passing at the age of 78, as announced on his GoFundMe page, marked the end of a remarkable journey filled with resilience and determination. Despite his severe condition, Mr. Alexander defied the odds by pursuing higher education, eventually becoming a lawyer and a published author. His accomplishments and positive influence touched the lives of people around the world, showcasing his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. Polio, a debilitating and potentially fatal disease caused by the poliovirus, can lead to paralysis by infecting the spinal cord. Mr. Alexander’s reliance on the iron lung, utilizing a technique called “frog breathing” to intake oxygen one breath at a time, symbolized his constant battle for survival. The polio outbreak in the US in 1946, affecting nearly 58,000 cases predominantly among children, posed significant challenges for individuals like Mr. Alexander. His brother expressed gratitude for the generous donations that enabled Mr. Alexander to live his final years with peace of mind. Living in an iron lung for seven decades, Mr. Alexander’s journey in Dallas, Texas, epitomized strength and perseverance. Despite his physical confinement, he achieved remarkable milestones such as earning a law degree and sharing his life story through a memoir published in April 2020. While polio is now rare in the US and UK due to successful vaccination campaigns, a recent scare in London in 2022 highlighted the importance of remaining vigilant. Health officials’ prompt response to the detection of the polio virus in sewage samples underscores the ongoing battle to eradicate this once-feared disease. As we reflect on Mr. Alexander’s life, his legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of polio and the critical role of vaccination in preventing its resurgence. His story will continue to inspire generations to come, honoring his remarkable journey and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.