In response to the outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) in South Sudan, over 19,000 children were vaccinated last week in Bentiu Poc, where the two cases were reported. Outbreak response plans are in place to hold three rounds of supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) in high risk areas to stop transmission of the virus.
In the north of Madagascar, SIAs are planned for December in response to the outbreak of cVDPV. National Immunization Days are planned for January. The aim is to boost immunity across the country against all strains of poliovirus.
A planning meeting was held in Pakistan last week to develop a strategy for the low poliovirus transmission season, December 2014 to May 2015, using lessons learned from high risk areas. There is national consensus for the low season plan, including increased support from the Pakistan law enforcement and security services. The structure of the planned Emergency Operations Centre for polio eradication at the Federal and Provincial levels is being finalized.
For the first time ever, only 1 case of wild poliovirus has been reported in Africa in the last 4 months, despite the high season for polio transmission. The most recent case had onset of paralysis on 11 August in Somalia.
Source: Global Polio Eradication Initiative
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