Progress Toward Polio Eradication — Worldwide, 2015–2016

• DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6518a4
• Publication Date: 2016-05-12T15:18:52Z
• Authors: Michelle Morales; Rudolf H. Tangermann; Steven G.F. Wassilak
• Keywords: Poliomyelitis eradication; Disease Eradication; Global Health

In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis. Wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission persists in only two countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) after removal of Nigeria from list with endemic polio September 2015.* Indigenous WPV type 2 has not been detected since 1999 was declared eradicated by Global Commission for Certification Poliomyelitis Eradication 2015.(†) Since November 2012, when last case 3 Nigeria, 1 sole circulating (1). This report summarizes global progress toward eradication during 2015-2016 updates previous reports (2). 2015, 74 cases were reported Pakistan), a decrease 79% 359 2014 nine countries; 12 have 2016 (to date), compared 23 same period 2015 (3). Paralytic caused vaccine-derived (cVDPV) remains risk areas low oral vaccine (OPV) coverage. Seven countries, including Pakistan, 32 cVDPV (4). four these ≥6 months passed most recent or isolate. One country (Laos) VDPV three additional date. Encouraging made over year; however, interruption will require focus on reaching vaccinating every missed child through high quality supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) cross-border coordination between Afghanistan Pakistan (5,6).