[End phase challenges of poliomyelitis eradication programme realization]

Abstract

The progress of poliomyelitis eradication programme realization, the implementation schedule and strategies for the future, are summarised based on publications of the World Health Organisation. During the following two years wild poliovirus strains should be globally eradicated. This means that potentially in 2010 the global eradication of wild polioviruses will be certified. To eradicate poliomyelitis, cessation of the oral polio vaccine (OPV) is necessary, since the vaccine strains produce cases of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) and cases of poliomyelitis caused by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). However, the WHO plan to stop immunization with OPV and the immunization with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) shortly after, is alarming in the present situation. The article describes the measures undertaken to prevent or minimise the risk of reintroduction of wild poliovirus strains, which is potentially associated with WHO plan of action.