Scientist Raúl Andino Develops New Generation of Polio Vaccines and Highlights the Threat of the Anti-Vaccine Movement

Raúl Andino: The Scientist Working Towards Polio Eradication

An Argentina-born Scientist Devoted to Vaccines

Raúl Andino, born in Argentina in 1957, is at the forefront of developing the new generation of vaccines against polio. However, he voices concern over the threat posed by the anti-vaccine movement to the eventual eradication of the disease.

Passion for Polio Virus

Andino’s interest in the polio virus began early in his life. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires, he honed his expertise at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) under the mentorship of Nobel Prize winner in Medicine, David Baltimore.

Despite occasional diversions, the poliovirus always remained a constant in Andino’s career. He has emerged as one of the key figures in developing the new generation of oral vaccines, aiming to prevent the reemergence of polio.

The Threat of Polio and the Importance of Vaccination

Containing the Highly Contagious Virus

Andino stresses the urgency of maintaining high vaccination rates, as the polio virus remains highly contagious. Vaccination is crucial to prevent severe illness and complications in children.

In an exclusive interview with Infobae, Andino says, “Polio not only affects the infected individual, primarily children under 5 years of age, but also their families and communities.”

Persisting Effects and the Search for Solutions

While polio cases have significantly decreased with mass immunization efforts, it still leaves some individuals with paralysis, muscle weakness, or post-polio syndrome later in life.

Andino views the polio virus as a model for understanding basic concepts of RNA viruses, including the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. His research on the polio virus holds potential for wider applications in combating viral diseases.

Journey Towards Polio Eradication

Decades of Global Efforts

Andino recalls the global push for polio eradication since the successful eradication of smallpox in 1980. Various organizations and foundations united to form the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, leading to a remarkable decline in polio cases worldwide.

Efforts have been particularly effective in the Americas, which achieved polio-free certification in 1994. Type 2 poliovirus has been eradicated, and there have been no reported cases of type 3 since 2012, signifying significant progress.