Polio Surveillance and Response
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E-mail Date of Operation: 2007 – 2012
Primary Implementing Partner: World Health Organization (WHO)
Regions of Operation: Nationwide
Goal:
Assist Ethiopia in reaching certification level for polio eradication.
Project Objectives:
- Achieve certification standards of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance at national and intermediary levels
- Assist with the timely response to any importation of the wild polio virus
- Continue implementing immunization campaigns to strengthen active and passive surveillance systems within the country
Description:
Through USAID support, the World Health Organization (WHO) is assisting the Government of Ethiopia in reaching certification level for polio eradication, which depends on a strong and reliable AFP surveillance program and a high level of polio immunization coverage through routine immunization programs. AFP surveillance involves immediate identification of paralysis cases followed by laboratory analysis of samples, delivering results within a month to the reporting unit for further action. Program elements include conducting active surveillance at all levels of health institutions, developing integrated surveillance approaches and establishing networks of surveillance officers who investigate all reported cases of AFP in children, and strengthening active and passive surveillance systems in the country through the use of immunization campaigns and supplemental immunizations.
Expected Results:
- Stop circulation of the wild polio virus and assist with the timely response to any importation of the wild poliovirus
- Contribute to the eradication of polio by ensuring that Ethiopia does not report any polio cases for three consecutive years
