India's Polio Eradication Milestone
India celebrated a significant public health achievement on Tuesday, marking 15 years since its last reported case of wild poliovirus. This transition from being a polio hotspot to a leader in immunisation demonstrates a combination of strong political will and community-level execution.
Key Achievements and Strategies
- Case Reduction:
- In 2009, India had 741 polio cases, representing 60% of the global burden.
- By 2011, India reported zero cases.
- Vaccination Efforts:
- Approximately 100 crore doses delivered to 17.2 crore children annually.
- Efforts succeeded despite challenges like a vast population, poor sanitation, and difficult-to-reach communities.
- Community and Technology:
- Strong community participation and trust building were critical.
- Technological platforms like U-WIN, e-VIN, and Safevac enhanced service delivery.
Ongoing Vigilance and Future Role
- Sustained Efforts:
- Continued focus on last-mile immunisation, especially for mobile and high-risk populations.
- Regular national and sub-national immunisation days to maintain polio-free status.
- Global Contribution:
- India supports global eradication efforts with technical expertise and innovative strategies.
- Hyderabad-based Biological E is pivotal in producing the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2).
Challenges and Warnings
- Variant Poliovirus Outbreaks:
- While the wild poliovirus is endemic in only two countries, variants continue to emerge globally.
- Preventing Complacency:
- Continuous vigilance is necessary to prevent new outbreaks and sustain the polio-free status.
