Polio Eradication Initiative: Steps to Ending Poliovirus Transmission

Areas Reporting Polio

India. Supplementary immunization campaigns of excellent quality are necessary in Bihar state. Uttar Pradesh requires exceptionally high rates of coverage during each vaccination campaign (greater than 95 percent) and greater attention to routine immunization.

Afghanistan. Keys to success include very high immunization coverage during repeated, large-scale, synchronized activities; the involvement of religious and local leaders; increased numbers of female vaccinators; and targeted, evidence-based, communication planning and implementation. Access to children in conflict areas needs to be ensured.

Pakistan. Sustained effort is imperative at the federal, provincial, and district levels, particularly as reported cases indicate continued circulation in several districts. Nigeria. With very low polio coverage, Nigeria needs to improve the operational quality of its immunization campaigns, increase monitoring, and rebuild community confidence in vaccine safety. Special efforts are needed to reach people living along the rivers and those in transit.

Horn of Africa. Countries in this region, particularly Somalia, need to sustain high coverage and increase access to children living in hard-to-reach areas.

Polio-Free Areas

Surveillance, with rapid case reporting and investigation, must remain at certification standard levels. Routine immunization efforts must increase to prevent the reintroduction of poliovirus, and building on the already established polio eradication infrastructure should continue worldwide. Working closely with communities will build public trust and increase local ownership of the overall initiative. Increased advocacy and political attention in global forums are needed to sustain political will as activities continue beyond the projected eradication date. At all levels, coordination of government, donor, and NGO activities is critical. Closing the financing gap will require the complete fulfillment of existing pledges, new pledges from current partners, and the participation of other international development donors.

Program Overview

Strategy

Interventions and Achievements

Lessons Learned

Related Links

• Archived Polio Reports to Congress
• Issue Brief on the USAID Polio Eradication Initiative
• Polio Eradication: A Photo Documentary
• Results Framework for the USAID Polio Eradication Initiative
• USAID Partners on the Polio Eradication Campaign
• WHO Regional Bulletins and Newsletters