Once recognized as the epicenter of the polio epidemic, India is now on the verge of creating history by stopping the transmission of polio. As of January 13, the country had not reported a single case of the crippling disease in 12 months, making it the longest polio-free period in India. Much work is left to be done, particularly in underserved areas. But India’s progress proves that it is possible to break the barriers to eradication that remain.

Mumbai, Dec 15: Lauding India’s unprecedented progress against polio, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Polio Eradication, Mr Amitabh Bachchan, today launched the new Communication Campaign for polio, appealing to parents and caregivers to take advantage of this rare opportunity to “make polio history in India”.

New Delhi, October 27: “Every child deserves the right to run, to play and to live a healthy life without polio,” Fernando Alonso, two-time world champion Formula 1 Ferrari driver and UNICEF Ambassador, said today during a visit to Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya where he gave Diwali gifts to children affected with paralysis.

Nigeria continues to experience a surge of polio cases, following a dramatic reduction of cases in 2010. The country remains the only polio-endemic country in Africa. The Federal Government of Nigeria with the support of the Polio Eradication Initiative partners launched a new communication campaign on September 24th, 2011, entitled Polio Free Torch Campaign.