Polio victory gives new hope in fight against disease
Last updated 3/25/2008 7:02:01 PM
Photo Source: www.cdc.gov
Polio has been wiped out in Somalia in what's been described as an 'historic achievement' for the country's public health. There has not been a reported case for a year - a major landmark following an intensified eradication effort to wipe out the disease.
More than 10,000 Somali volunteers and health workers repeatedly vaccinated more than 1.8 million children under the age of five by visiting every household in every settlement multiple times, across a country ranked one of the most dangerous places on earth. The use of innovative approaches tailored to conflict areas was pivotal in stopping polio in the country.
These included increased community involvement and the effective use of vaccines to immunize children in insecure areas with several doses within a short period of time.
Dr Hussein A Gezairy, from the UN World Health Organisation, said: "This truly historic achievement shows that polio can be eradicated everywhere, even in the most challenging and difficult settings."
Polio, which can cause lifelong paralysis, has been stopped nearly everywhere in the world following a 20-year concerted international effort. Only four polio-endemic countries remain – Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan – and the eradication of polio globally now depends primarily on stopping the disease in these countries.