The latest polio eradication activities around the world this month in Polio News.
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Dear polio eradication supporter,
Polio eradication efforts would not be possible without women at the forefront. On 8 March, we celebrate International Women’s Day, spotlighting and thanking all of the women across the world who work tirelessly to create a polio-free future. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) remains committed to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women at all levels of the polio program, whether as vaccinators, campaign coordinators or lab technicians, because we would not be this close to polio eradication without them. To help us celebrate these important heroes in the eradication effort, join us in sharing your appreciation on social media using the toolkit here and the #EndPolio hashtag.
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Africa’s leaders stand behind polio eradication
At the African Union Summit on 19 February, AU Heads of State and Government endorsed a new declaration, Building momentum for routine immunization recovery in Africa, strengthening political resolve to overcome the massive disruptions COVID-19 caused in immunization efforts across the continent. Central to this new declaration is a revamped commitment to protect progress made by the polio program and to deliver on the promise of a polio-free Africa—representing the political will needed to get the job done.
GPEI leadership recently witnessed firsthand the advances being made against polio in Mozambique, and is confident that together, we can eradicate polio once and for all.
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A razor-sharp focus to end polio for good
At February’s WHO Executive Board meeting, experts noted the clear window of opportunity to achieve polio eradication this year, but warned that the virus will again gain strength if success is not met soon. It is critical that we prioritize reaching zero-dose children in consequential geographies, working side by side with humanitarian partners to deliver polio vaccines alongside other health interventions. Now is not the time to be complacent: we must focus on securing a polio-free world today.
Continued community vigilance
At 89 years old, Alhaji Safejo Amogbon continues to mobilize his community in Nigeria to ensure that all children are vaccinated against polio. As a trusted community leader, he leverages his experience to educate parents about the importance of vaccination. Amid Nigeria’s continued battle with outbreaks of variant poliovirus, trusted community members like Alhaji will ensure that children across the country receive their polio vaccines.
Paving the way for women in STEM
Rosemary Mukui Nzunza, an immunization expert at the Center for Virus Research at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, believes deeply that women in science should have the chance to go as far as they dream. As she finishes up her PhD in Molecular Medicine, Rosemary monitors lab work and biosafety, testing samples with her team for detections of polio, measles, and rubella to help protect children from the devastating impacts of preventable disease. Rosemary’s work is setting an example and showing other women and girls that they too can stand at the forefront of science.
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POLIO IN NUMBERS
Wild Poliovirus in 2023 (2022)*
Global Total: 0 (1)
Circulating Vaccine Derived Poliovirus in 2023 (2022)*
Global Total: 4 (4)
*Data as of 28 February 2023. Numbers in brackets represent data at this time in 2022.
Breakdown by country Polio this week
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POLIO IN THE NEWS
WHO: Over 33 million kids vaccinated against polio in southern Africa (17 February 2023)
STAT: Rare polio case highlights how hard it will be to keep polio gone once it’s eradicated. (Helen Branswell, 2 February 2023)
DAWN: Let’s make history. (Dr Shahzad Baig, 27 January 2023)
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In Nigeria, Alhaji Safejo Amogbon works with vaccinators in his community to make sure very child is reached with a polio vaccine © WHO
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