All articles tagged with #polio eradication
Bill Gates warns that rising anti-vaccine sentiment in the U.S. could lead to increased deaths worldwide, hinder measles eradication efforts, and threaten progress against polio, emphasizing the importance of continued vaccination efforts and international funding.
As the world gets closer to eradicating polio, health authorities are planning for the post-polio era to ensure the virus doesn't make a comeback. The final steps towards eradication are challenging, as polio can still exist in testing labs, manufacturing facilities, and even in some people. The main tool for eradication is vaccination, with both inactivated and oral poliovirus vaccines being used. However, the oral vaccine carries the risk of vaccine-derived polio outbreaks. After eradication, surveillance for poliovirus cases and monitoring of wastewater will be crucial to detect any potential resurgence. Additionally, efforts must be made to contain the virus in research and manufacturing facilities. Maintaining high vaccination rates and building resilient health systems will be essential to prevent the return of polio and ensure global public health security.
The European Commission, the European Investment Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced a new financing partnership to address global health challenges, including eradicating polio and improving access to health innovations in low-income countries. The €1.1 billion funding package aims to provide vaccinations for nearly 370 million children annually, strengthen health systems, and support the distribution of other childhood immunizations. Additionally, €500 million will be allocated to expand the innovation capacity of health systems in low- and middle-income countries. The partnership marks a significant increase in funding for global health and human development and aims to maximize the impact of every Euro committed by the EU and the European Investment Bank.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are closer than ever to eradicating wild poliovirus, with a small number of cases and limited geographical spread. However, persistent social and political challenges must be overcome for the eradication programs to succeed. The reduction in cases is attributed to intensified vaccination efforts and expanded environmental surveillance. Both countries need to be free from wild poliovirus for three years before eradication can be declared. While progress has been made, obstacles such as militant attacks and vaccine hesitancy remain. Additionally, vaccine-derived polioviruses pose a threat to global eradication efforts, but the development of a novel oral poliovirus vaccine offers hope for their elimination.