Polio Update - August 14, 2014
In today's picture, we focus on the Polio Survivors. These from Sierra Leone are just a few of the thousands who are suffering and will suffer the effects of Polio and Post Polio Syndrome for a lifetime. We were too late for those in this picture, but the sooner we can reach Worldwide Polio Eradication, the fewer children will be known as Polio Survivors. Let's END POLIO NOW.
One More + of PolioPlus - In West Africa, polio staff are supporting efforts to curb the Ebola outbreak affecting the region. Staff are actively engaged in helping preparedness planning, social mobilization, surveillance of suspected cases, contact tracing and assisting with outbreak logistics - See more at: http://www.polioeradication.org/Dataandmonitoring/Poliothisweek.aspx#sthash.fvAaRwvT.dpuf
IRAQ - Iraq was free of polio for nearly 14 years – until March, when the crippling disease paralyzed two children and set alarm bells ringing. Now, a massive immunization campaign is underway in the war-torn country. The effort – spearheaded by the Iraq Ministry of Health, with support from Rotary International, the WHO and UNICEF – aims to reach more than 4 million children under age 5.
WHO - Polio Public Health Emergency Measures Confirmed 7/31/14 - On May 5, 2014, the Director General of the WHO declared the international spread of Wild Poliovirus to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. These concerns were confirmed as continuing on 7/31/14. Countries which are currently exporting Wild Poliovirus (Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Pakistan, & Syria) are required to ensure all residents & visitors (of over 4 weeks) receive a dose of Polio Vaccine 4 to 12 weeks before leaving the country and to ensure that each international traveler receives proof of vaccination. In addition, the countries of Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iraq, Israel, Nigeria, & Somalia are also encouraged to make sure their residents & long term visitors are vaccinated before international travel.
The Final Three Endemic Countries
Pakistan - 108 Polio cases have been reported in 2014 with the most recent on 7/16/14 in North Waziristan. Pakistan National Immunization Days have been announced for 9/29-10/1/14 and 12/8-12/10/14 and Sub-National Immunization Days for 8/18-8/20/14, 9/1-9/3/14, 10/13-10/15/14, 11/10-11/12/14, & 12/22-12/24/14.
Afghanistan - 8 Polio cases reported in 2014 with the most recent on 06/16/14 from the Khost Province. Over 35,000 children of recently displaced families have recently been vaccinated. 14 cases recorded in 2013. National Immunization Days are planned for August 18-20.
Nigeria - 5 Polio cases reported in 2014 - the most recent on 05/27/14 in Kano state. 53 cases recorded in 2013. Sub-National Immunization + Days are scheduled for Northern Nigeria again in August.
Pakistan - 108 Polio cases have been reported in 2014 with the most recent on 7/16/14 in North Waziristan. Pakistan National Immunization Days have been announced for 9/29-10/1/14 and 12/8-12/10/14 and Sub-National Immunization Days for 8/18-8/20/14, 9/1-9/3/14, 10/13-10/15/14, 11/10-11/12/14, & 12/22-12/24/14.
Afghanistan - 8 Polio cases reported in 2014 with the most recent on 06/16/14 from the Khost Province. Over 35,000 children of recently displaced families have recently been vaccinated. 14 cases recorded in 2013. National Immunization Days are planned for August 18-20.
Nigeria - 5 Polio cases reported in 2014 - the most recent on 05/27/14 in Kano state. 53 cases recorded in 2013. Sub-National Immunization + Days are scheduled for Northern Nigeria again in August.
Importation Countries:
Syria - 1 Polio case reported in 2014 - 35 cases recorded in 2013.
Somalia - 4 Polio cases reported in 2014 - 194 cases recorded in 2013.
Kenya - Zero Polio cases reported in 2014 - 14 cases recorded in 2013.
Ethiopia - 1 Polio cases reported in 2014 - 9 Cases recorded in 2013.
Cameroon - 5 Polio cases reported in 2014 (most recent on 7/09/14 at a Refugee Camp for families from the Central African Republic) - 4 Cases reported in 2013.
Equatorial Guinea - 5 Polio cases reported (most recent on 5/28/14). Zero cases reported in 2013.
Iraq - 2 Polio cases reported on 4/07/14 in Baghdad - 0 cases reported in 2013.
Our Goal is Global Polio Eradication!
Terry Ziegler, District 5890 Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, Email BigZLumber@aol.com
Syria - 1 Polio case reported in 2014 - 35 cases recorded in 2013.
Somalia - 4 Polio cases reported in 2014 - 194 cases recorded in 2013.
Kenya - Zero Polio cases reported in 2014 - 14 cases recorded in 2013.
Ethiopia - 1 Polio cases reported in 2014 - 9 Cases recorded in 2013.
Cameroon - 5 Polio cases reported in 2014 (most recent on 7/09/14 at a Refugee Camp for families from the Central African Republic) - 4 Cases reported in 2013.
Equatorial Guinea - 5 Polio cases reported (most recent on 5/28/14). Zero cases reported in 2013.
Iraq - 2 Polio cases reported on 4/07/14 in Baghdad - 0 cases reported in 2013.
Our Goal is Global Polio Eradication!
Terry Ziegler, District 5890 Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, Email BigZLumber@aol.com