Surveillance, the backbone of polio eradication

A surveillance system proved to be the most important milestone in the journey of polio eradication in India,

20140211_PolioLabIinvestigation

Testing in Mumbai laboratory of the Enterovirus Research Centre
ERC

Much has been written about India’s success against polio. Much has been made of innovative operational techniques, strategies to reach under-served groups and the rapid development of new vaccine. A quieter but arguably fundamental hero in polio eradication in India, however, was the surveillance system.

“The setting up of a surveillance system proved to be the most important milestone in the journey of polio eradication in India as it formed the backbone of the eradication drive by helping identify areas and populations that were at risk and the type of poliovirus circulating in different areas besides measuring progress,” explains Dr Nata Menabde, WHO Representative to India.

Full story

Related


Related News

   11/03/2024
Women play central, diverse and multifaceted roles in safeguarding children from polio, proving that investments in women’s capacities and skills translate into investments in strengthening health systems.
   08/03/2024
The Female Mobiliser Vaccinator (FMV) programme supported by UNICEF and partners continues to play a critical role in efforts to reach every child and end polio in the country.
   06/03/2024
A new investment case shows that successful polio transition in the 8 priority countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region will have a very high return on investment.