Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication--Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan, January 2002-August 2003

Abstract

Since the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) resolved in 1988 to eradicate poliomyelitis worldwide, the estimated number of polio cases has declined >99%, and the number of countries from which reports of polio were received has declined from 125 to seven. Ethiopia and Sudan have not reported wild poliovirus (WPV) cases in >1 year, and Somalia is approaching 1 year without evidence of WPV transmission. This report summarizes progress made in these countries during January 2002-August 2003 and describes remaining challenges to polio eradication. To maintain this progress, continued funding and improved access to children, particularly in the greater Mogadishu area in Somalia, are required.