PAHO Celebrates 30 Years of Wild Poliovirus Eradication in the Americas

Achieving a Milestone

PAHO is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the certification of the eradication of “wild poliovirus” transmission in the region of the Americas, including the Caribbean.

From 6,000 to Zero Cases

According to PAHO, in 1975, the region reported nearly 6,000 cases of polio, but thanks to child vaccination and sustained surveillance implemented by governments with the support of PAHO and partners, the last case of wild poliovirus was detected in September 1991 in Peru and in 1994, the region was certified as free of this disease.

Director’s Message

“Achieving a milestone like this is not easy. It involves a lot of work, commitment, and tenacity from thousands of health workers, researchers, partners, and all the people responsible for vaccinating their children,” PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa said.

However, Barbosa warned about the persistence of poliovirus in other parts of the world.

Global Efforts

“Until we eradicate the poliovirus globally, we must maintain high vaccination coverage and adequate surveillance to detect any imported cases,” he emphasised.

Polio: A Highly Contagious Disease

Polio is a highly contagious disease that affects the central nervous system, causing acute flaccid paralysis.

Although most infections are asymptomatic, in one in 200 cases, the virus can cause permanent paralysis in the legs or arms.

Progress and Challenges

Globally, polio cases have declined by more than 99 per cent since 1988, when an estimated 350,000 cases were reported in more than 125 endemic countries.

There are now just two endemic countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.

However, PAHO warned that the poliovirus does not respect borders and can find groups of unvaccinated or under-immunised children, which could lead to outbreaks.

Immunisation and Surveillance

Barbosa highlighted the impact of immunisation programmes in controlling and eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases, and emphasised the continued support of governments and partners, such as Rotary International and the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Despite progress, the PAHO director said that misinformation and distrust, along with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, “continue to affect vaccination coverage in some areas and populations” in the region.

Next Steps

In 2023, PAHO said 87 per cent of children in the Americas had received the third dose of the polio vaccine necessary for full immunisation, a recovery from 83 per cent in 2022, but still below the recommended coverage rate.

To prevent the reintroduction of the virus, “it is essential to continue working to achieve sustained coverage of more than 95 per cent uniformly in each country”, Barbosa said.

Moving Towards Eradication

As the world moves towards the total eradication of “wild polio”, PAHO said efforts are also increasingly focused on mitigating the risk of vaccine-derived cases.

This virus, as it replicates in the gastrointestinal tract, can spread through faeces and sewage, circulating in the environment and exposing unvaccinated individuals, who are susceptible to contracting polio.

Conclusion

PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa called on all community leaders, health workers and educators, among others, to join in the effort to eradicate polio and other preventable diseases.

“Let us unite today to celebrate 30 more years free of wild polio in the Americas and reaffirm our commitment to a polio-free world,” he urged.

FAQs

Q: What is polio?
A: Polio is a highly contagious disease that affects the central nervous system, causing acute flaccid paralysis.

Q: How many cases of polio were reported in 1988?
A: An estimated 350,000 cases were reported in more than 125 endemic countries.

Q: What are the two remaining endemic countries?
A: Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Q: What is the recommended coverage rate for polio vaccine?
A: More than 95 per cent uniformly in each country.

Q: How can I get more information about polio and its eradication effort?
A: You can visit the World Health Organization’s website or contact your local public health authority for more information.