The latest polio eradication activities around the world this month in Polio News.
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Dear polio eradication supporter,
To kick off 2022, we are welcoming a year of optimism for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). With wild poliovirus transmission at an all-time low, this year could mark a pivotal moment in ending polio for good—but only if commitments from key partners, donors and governments continue. This sustained support is critical not just for polio eradication but also for addressing other health emergencies. The past two years have shown just how far investments in polio can reach, as polio teams worldwide pivoted to support COVID-19 response efforts. In this edition of Polio News, read the most recent call to action to end polio for good from leaders at the World Health Organization (WHO) and learn how the polio program’s assets will continue to support other health initiatives after eradication.
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Polio team ready for action
All over the world, polio teams were some of the first to spring into action and assist countries in implementing measures to stop COVID-19. In Cameroon, polio staff developed communications to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and “microplans” for polio campaigns were used in Bangladesh to pilot COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Read on to learn how polio staff around the globe have pivoted to halt this pandemic and how GPEI infrastructure will be invaluable as they are transitioned to support other health initiatives
Stopping polio starts in the community
No global health effort exists in a vacuum, and the polio program has a long history of overcoming new challenges in order to build community trust. For instance, Rotary’s PolioPlus initiative has improved its credibility in communities in Pakistan by providing clean water and addressing basic needs. See how these investments - the “plus” in PolioPlus - play a key role in improving trust, health outcomes and our chances to eradicate polio once and for all.
Capitalizing on momentum in 2022
2021 may go down as a turning point in polio eradication, but only if commitments from key players continue in full force in 2022. As the GPEI’s new Strategy 2022-2026 begins implementation, the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board called on governments, donors and partners in polio eradication to keep their efforts strong, support the new strategy and take advantage of this opportunity. Learn why GPEI leaders believe that there may be no better time to wipe out polio for good than right now.
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POLIO IN NUMBERS
Wild Poliovirus in 2021 (2020)*
Global Total: 5 (140)
Circulating Vaccine Derived Poliovirus in 2021 (2020)*
Global Total: 583 (1079)
*Data as of 25 January 2021. Numbers in brackets represent data for full year 2020.
Breakdown by country
Polio this week
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POLIO IN THE NEWS
Voice of America: Will Afghanistan be Polio-Free in 2022?
Dawn: Putting polio’s ‘last mile’ in perspective
Healio: Q&A: COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact polio response
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UNICEF is grateful to Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for their generous contribution of US$ 13 094 448 to support staffing.
UNICEF would like to thank Rotary International for its generous contribution of US$ 11 178 000 to Pakistan to support Social Mobilization and Communication and US$ 13 612 794 to support Outbreak response.
UNICEF and WHO thank Australia for its generous contribution of Aus$ 9 000 000 to support countries as they restart immunization activities and respond to outbreaks.
WHO thanks the Government of Spain for its generous contribution of €100 000 for polio eradication operations worldwide.
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WHO staff completing a seroprevalence survey, which estimates the percentage of people in a population who have antibodies against COVID-19, in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, December 2020.
© WHO/Bangladesh
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