The Inventor of the Polio Vaccine: Jonas Salk

- વિશ્વના વિજ્ઞાનીઓ

Polio is a terrible disease that affects young children. In the past, it caused children's legs to stop working, making them disabled for life. Polio is caused by a virus. However, children who have been vaccinated against polio no longer get this disease. Today, the disease is rarely seen in children worldwide. The polio vaccine is a primary part of the childhood immunization program and is administered orally.

This important and life-saving discovery was made by the American scientist Jonas Salk. He was born on October 28, 1914, in New York. Though his parents were uneducated and poor, they supported his education with great diligence. After studying at the New York University School of Medicine, Jonas joined the University of Pittsburgh as a researcher.

He discovered the polio vaccine in 1955. His discovery was an injectable vaccine. The oral drops used today were later developed by a scientist named Albert Sabin. Interestingly, both scientists chose not to patent their discoveries, giving them to the world for free instead of earning massive profits. After discovering the vaccine, Jonas proved its success by testing it on his own family members. Beyond the vaccine, he also wrote many medical books. He passed away on June 23, 1995.