05 March 2007

Eradication in Sight

When the epic challenge to eradicate polio was first shouldered by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, the goal was set to complete the task by 2005. That deadline has slipped past, but the campaign has not flagged. International partners and the four remaining polio-endemic nations renewed their commitment to end the transmission of polio worldwide at a February 2007 meeting in Geneva. A final attack on the poliovirus emerged from the consultation, along with a plan to raise the money to achieve that end. Hundreds of millions of dollars are required annually for the four nations with endemic virus to immunize about 250 million children each year. That diligence is required to ensure that youngsters are protected from the disease.

The battle against this crippling disease may be hardest fought in these four final countries, and it may require several more years. Still, the eradication of polio in 189 nations—and the health of the children who live there—is no small achievement for this 19-year campaign.

From the March 2007 eJournal USA, “Lifesaving Vaccines”