WHO South-East Asia: 15 Years Polio-Free, Boosting Public Health | Quick Digest

WHO South-East Asia: 15 Years Polio-Free, Boosting Public Health | Quick Digest
The WHO South-East Asia Region celebrates 15 years since its last wild poliovirus case, reported in India on January 13, 2011. This milestone underscores the region's enduring polio-free status, achieved through extensive vaccination and surveillance efforts, which continue to bolster broader public health initiatives.

WHO South-East Asia Region marks 15 years wild poliovirus-free status.

The last wild poliovirus case occurred in Howrah, West Bengal, India, on January 13, 2011.

The region was officially certified polio-free on March 27, 2014, a major public health triumph.

Polio eradication efforts significantly enhanced regional health systems, surveillance, and immunization infrastructure.

Maintaining high immunization coverage and robust surveillance remains crucial to prevent re-importation.

Lessons from the polio program are being applied to strengthen other public health initiatives across member states.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) South-East Asia Region is celebrating a monumental achievement, marking 15 years since the last case of wild poliovirus was detected within its borders. The historic last case was reported on January 13, 2011, in an 18-month-old girl from Howrah, West Bengal, India. This landmark success paved the way for the entire region to be certified wild poliovirus-free on March 27, 2014, following three years without any new cases. This enduring polio-free status, maintained by a region home to a quarter of the world's population, is a testament to unparalleled efforts from governments, dedicated health workers, and strong partnerships, including community engagement. India, once considered the most challenging country for polio eradication, played a crucial role in this regional triumph. The extensive and intensive response following the last reported case ensured that it remained an isolated incident. The legacy of the polio eradication program extends beyond just eliminating the virus. It has significantly contributed to broader public health gains by strengthening routine immunization systems, enhancing public health laboratory capacities, improving disease surveillance networks, and bolstering emergency preparedness across the member states. Countries in the region, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste, continue to maintain strict vigilance against poliovirus importation and protect children through consistent vaccination efforts. The success demonstrates that ambitious public health goals are achievable through unwavering commitment and collaborative strategies.
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