Progress Toward Polio Eradication — Worldwide, 2013–2014

* Data as of April 29, 2014.

* Data as of May 20, 2014.

Authors and Disclosures

Edna K. Moturi, MBChB,¹ Kimberly A. Porter, PhD,² Steven G.F. Wassilak, MD,² Rudolf H. Tangermann, MD,³ Ousmane M. Diop, PhD,³ Cara C. Burns, PhD⁴ and Hamid Jafari, MD³

¹EIS officer, CDC;
²Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, CDC;
³Polio Eradication Department, World Health Organization;
⁴Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC (Corresponding author: Edna K. Moturi, emoturi@cdc.gov, 678-793-0615)

What Is Already Known on This Topic?

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) began in 1988. Wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission has decreased by >99% since then, and currently WPV transmission remains endemic only in Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Outbreaks caused by importation of WPV cases have been detected in previously polio-free countries, and in 2012, the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the completion of polio eradication a global public health emergency.

What Is Added by This Report?

Significant progress toward polio eradication has been achieved during 2012–2013; the WHO South-East Asia Region was certified polio-free, the geographic extent of WPV transmission has decreased within the countries where polio is endemic, and there is possible eradication of WPV type 3. An increase in the number of polio cases occurred because of ongoing outbreaks in Pakistan and outbreaks resulting from international spread of polioviruses into the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. Threats of physical violence in areas of conflict have emerged as a major risk for polio eradication efforts.

What Are the Implications for Public Health Practice?

Current GPEI progress indicates that polio eradication is achievable. However, the occurrence of outbreaks in previously polio-free countries demonstrates that all countries and regions remain at risk so long as WPV transmission continues in any country. Strengthened AFP surveillance performance and improved supplementary immunization activity quality might prevent or further limit the spread of WPV.