Given the lack of new reported or suspected cases in the central African country the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Gabon a "polio-free country".
According to a WHO statement the UN health agency nonetheless recommended taking the necessary steps to continue monitoring for possible signs of the disease.
Now the Polio disease is endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the WHO recorded four cases this year -- two in each country.
Last year, there were 37 cases of Polio disease globally.
Currency: Central African CFA franc
Polio:
It is a highly infectious viral disease that can result in permanent paralysis, mainly affects young children. There is no cure and it can only be prevented through immunisation.Some important facts:
Cases of polio have decreased by 99 per cent since 1988, when polio was endemic in 125 countries and 350,000 cases were recorded worldwide.Now the Polio disease is endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the WHO recorded four cases this year -- two in each country.
Last year, there were 37 cases of Polio disease globally.
Gabon
Capital – LibrevilleCurrency: Central African CFA franc
