Polio Eradication Initiative: Steps to Ending Poliovirus Transmission
![Photo of a United Nations plane on a tarmac with the door open and people coming out.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081109055055im_/http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/mch/ch/news/images/un_plane.jpg)
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This United Nations plane transported oral polio vaccine and polio eradication personnel around during Angola's 1999 National Immunization Days.
Source: Ellyn W. Ogden/USAID |
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
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