Polio Eradication Update
Eradicating polio is a particularly unforgiving task. While the virus remains anywhere in the world, it has the potential to spread around the globe to any vulnerable child or community. As the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) zeros in on polio, it becomes more important than ever that every last virus is found and rapidly stopped in its tracks.
We are now 7 weeks until the globally synchronized switch from the trivalent to the bivalent oral Polio vaccine, an important milestone in achieving a Polio-free world.
The Final Two Endemic Countries:
Pakistan - Three Polio cases reported this week. Five Polio case reported in 2016 with 54 cases recorded in 2015 The most recent case, with the onset of paralysis on 02/12/16 was from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Four new Polio positive environmental samples reported this week. National Immunization Days are planned for March.
Afghanistan - No Polio cases reported in Afghanistan this week. No Polio cases reported in 2016 with 20 cases recorded in 2015. The most recent case was reported on 12/20/15 from the Kandahar Province. No new Polio-positive environmental samples were collected this week. National Immunization Days and are planned for March 15-18.
Post Endemic - Nigeria - No Polio cases reported in 2016 with 0 cases recorded in 2015. The most recent case was reported on 7/24/14.
Importation Countries - Ethiopia (0-2015, 1-2014), Cameroon (0-2015, 5-2014), Somalia (0-2015, 5-2014), Iraq (0-2015, 2- 2014), Syria (0-2015,1-2014), & Equatorial Guinea (0-2015, 5-2014).
Post Endemic - Nigeria - No Polio cases reported in 2016 with 0 cases recorded in 2015. The most recent case was reported on 7/24/14.
Importation Countries - Ethiopia (0-2015, 1-2014), Cameroon (0-2015, 5-2014), Somalia (0-2015, 5-2014), Iraq (0-2015, 2- 2014), Syria (0-2015,1-2014), & Equatorial Guinea (0-2015, 5-2014).