Polio News July 2020

871 Hits
July 2020
POLIO NEWS
Dear Moderator,
Vaccinators in several countries conducted polio immunization activities this month, following Global Polio Eradication Initiative recommendations for safe campaign resumption. All campaigns were implemented in line with the latest WHO guidance to protect both vaccinators and children amid the pandemic. Alongside their efforts to end polio, health workers continued through July to deliver lifesaving messages on COVID-19 to the communities they serve.
 
Protecting against polio & COVID-19
© UNICEF/Pakistan
Following a four-month pause amid COVID-19, vaccinators in several countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean and African Regions have resumed polio immunization campaigns. See how health workers are delivering vaccines while adhering to strict infection prevention measures including regular handwashing, symptom screenings and a ‘no touch’ vaccination method. [More]
Stopping cVDPV outbreaks in Somalia
© WHO/Somalia
When COVID-19 arrived in Somalia, the country’s polio programme was ready to support information distribution, contact tracing and disease surveillance while continuing to fight cVDPV outbreaks. While challenges remain in the battle against both diseases, the tireless polio programme response efforts demonstrate that with continued funding and support, progress can be made. [More]
Rotary women leading the way
Marie-Irène Richmond-Ahoua © Rotary
No matter their backgrounds or where they live, these women leaders from Rotary have been working towards the same goal – protecting every child everywhere against poliovirus. From building awareness in Nigeria and delivering vaccines in Pakistan to advocating for children in Côte d’Ivoire, meet five women leading the fight for a polio-free world. [More]
 
POLIO IN NUMBERS
 
Wild poliovirus in 2020 (2019)*
Global Total:   94 (59)

Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in 2020 (2019)*
Global Total: 236 (44) 

*Data as of 28 July 2020. Numbers in brackets represent data at this time in 2019.
 
Breakdown by country 
 
POLIO IN THE NEWS
NBC News: U.S. exit from WHO will jeopardize global fight against COVID-19, polio, other diseases, experts say

Science: Polio vaccination campaigns restart after modelers warn about risk of ‘explosive’ outbreaks

Deutsche Welle: Polio eradication in Africa points to challenges ahead

Facebook Live, Dr Hamid Jafari: The WHO Director of Polio Eradication for the Eastern Mediterranean Region speaks about campaign resumption in the context of COVID-19.
 
Eye on eradication
In 2019, GPEI established a multi-partner hub in Amman, Jordan to enhance coordinated support to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Hub has just launched a newsletter which will focus on progress and challenges faced in the eradication of poliovirus in the endemic countries. Take a look at the first issue to learn more about the outcomes of the latest technical advisory group meeting, and sign up for future issues on the GPEI website.
 
DONOR UPDATES
UNICEF expresses its gratitude to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its contribution of US$ 36.5 million, as part of the UNICEF-CDC Cooperative Agreement. Funds will go to support global polio eradication activities including vaccine purchase, social mobilization and staffing.

WHO thanks the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT)
for generously contributing US$ 20 093 700 to support technical assistance, disease surveillance and outbreak response in 2020 and 2021.
 
PICTURE OF THE MONTH
Nabeela, a polio frontline worker in Pakistan, vaccinates a child in Liaqatabad using the ‘no touch’ method. ©UNICEF/Pakistan
-
 
!--
-->
Copyright © 2020 Global Polio Eradication Initiative, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email either as an existing Polio News subscriber, or because you opted in at our website: www.polioeradication.org

Our mailing address is:
Global Polio Eradication Initiative
20 Avenue Appia
Geneva 1211
Switzerland

Add us to your address book

image

0