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Review
. 2014 Nov 1;210 Suppl 1(0 1):S5-15.
doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiu456.

Progress toward global interruption of wild poliovirus transmission, 2010-2013, and tackling the challenges to complete eradication

Steven G F Wassilak  1 , M Steven Oberste  1 , Rudolph H Tangermann  2 , Ousmane M Diop  2 , Hamid S Jafari  2 , Gregory L Armstrong  1
Affiliations
Review

Progress toward global interruption of wild poliovirus transmission, 2010-2013, and tackling the challenges to complete eradication

Steven G F Wassilak et al. J Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Despite substantial progress, global polio eradication has remained elusive. Indigenous wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission in 4 endemic countries (Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan) persisted into 2010 and outbreaks from imported WPV continued. By 2013, most outbreaks in the interim were promptly controlled. The number of polio-affected districts globally has declined by 74% (from 481 in 2009 to 126 in 2013), including a 79% decrease in the number of affected districts in endemic countries (from 304 to 63). India is now polio-free. The challenges to success in the remaining polio-endemic countries include (1) threats to the security of vaccinators in each country and a ban on polio vaccination in areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan; (2) a risk of decreased government commitment; and (3) remaining surveillance gaps. Coordinated efforts under the International Health Regulations and efforts to mitigate the challenges provide a clear opportunity to soon secure global eradication.

Keywords: eradication; international health regulations; outbreak control; polio; surveillance.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: The authors report no conflict of interest.

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