Global Polio Eradication Initiative

Global Polio Eradication Initiative

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a public-private partnership led by national governments with five core partners - the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Its goal is to eradicate polio worldwide.

History

The initiative was launched in 1988, following the certification of the eradication of smallpox, the first disease ever to be eradicated through human efforts. At the time, polio was endemic in more than 125 countries, and the disease paralyzed thousands of children around the world every day. Since the launch of the GPEI, the incidence of polio has decreased by over 99%.

Goals and Strategies

The primary goal of the GPEI is the global eradication of polio. Its strategy includes immunization campaigns in countries with ongoing transmission of the virus, increased surveillance of polio cases, and strengthening of routine immunization programs. The initiative also focuses on the containment of poliovirus and certification processes to officially declare the world polio-free.

Challenges

Despite significant progress, the GPEI faces challenges such as vaccine-derived poliovirus cases, insecurity and conflict in endemic regions, and vaccine hesitancy. These challenges require innovative solutions and the adaptation of strategies to ensure the delivery of vaccines to all children.

Achievements

One of the major achievements of the GPEI has been the certification of the eradication of wild poliovirus type 2 in 2015 and type 3 in 2019. As of now, wild poliovirus type 1 remains endemic in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. The initiative has also significantly improved the infrastructure, surveillance, and immunization systems of many countries, contributing to better overall public health.

Future Directions

The GPEI continues to work towards the complete eradication of all types of poliovirus. This includes addressing the challenges of vaccine-derived poliovirus and ensuring that polio vaccines are available to all children worldwide. The initiative also aims to transition its resources and infrastructure to support other public health efforts once polio is eradicated.

See Also

• Vaccination
• Eradication of infectious diseases
• Public health