Global Polio Eradication Initiative
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a public-private global effort to eradicate polio, one of the most significant health initiatives in history. Here are some key details:
History and Formation
Objectives
- To interrupt wild poliovirus transmission globally.
- To achieve certification of polio eradication once transmission is interrupted.
- To contribute to health system strengthening and improvements in routine immunization and surveillance for other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Strategies
- Immunization: Mass vaccination campaigns using Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) to reach all children under five years of age.
- Surveillance: Establishment of surveillance systems to track polio cases and detect the virus in the environment through sewage testing.
- Outbreak Response: Rapid response to outbreaks with additional vaccination rounds.
- Containment: Ensuring that all poliovirus materials are safely contained to prevent reintroduction.
Progress and Challenges
- Since its inception, the GPEI has reduced the number of polio cases by over 99.9%, with cases dropping from an estimated 350,000 in 1988 to just a handful annually in recent years.
- Challenges include:
- Reaching children in conflict zones and areas with poor infrastructure.
- Overcoming vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks, where the virus mutates in under-immunized populations.
- Political instability and security issues affecting vaccination campaigns.
Current Status
- As of the latest updates, wild poliovirus type 2 and type 3 have been eradicated, with only wild poliovirus type 1 remaining in circulation, primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- The initiative continues to push for complete eradication, with a focus on reaching every child and ensuring high-quality surveillance.
Sources
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