The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering support for global and national efforts to eradicate polio. Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, made the announcement during his address at the annual Rotary Club Polio Walk held in Georgetown on Sunday, part of a worldwide initiative aimed at raising awareness and support for the complete eradication of poliomyelitis (polio). 
Speaking to participants, Dr. Anthony commended the Rotary Club and its members for their consistent advocacy and dedication to the cause. He highlighted Guyana’s longstanding success in maintaining a polio- free status due to its high immunisation coverage.
“In Guyana, we have maintained close to 100% coverage for the oral polio vaccine. Every child born here receives the vaccine, which has played a vital role in keeping our country polio-free for many years,” the Minister stated.
He emphasised that while Guyana and other Caribbean nations have successfully kept polio at bay, continued public awareness, education, and vaccination efforts remain crucial, not only to preserve this status but also to support countries where the disease remains endemic.
World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24, serves as a platform to highlight the importance of vaccination and global solidarity in the fight against polio.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under five. It spreads mainly through the faecal-oral route and can cause irreversible paralysis in as little as a few hours. In severe cases, paralysis of the respiratory muscles can lead to death.
Dr. Anthony extended heartfelt thanks to the Rotary Club and its international partners for their ongoing commitment to public health and urged them to broaden their focus in the coming year.
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