Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication--South East Asia Region, 1997-1998

In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis by 2000. To achieve this goal, in 1994 World Health Organization (WHO) South East Asia Region (SEAR) member countries accelerated implementation of polio eradication strategies. In 1994, Thailand became the region's first country to initiate National Immunization Days (NIDs), followed by Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka (1995); Myanmar and Nepal (1996); and Democratic People's Republic (DPR) of Korea and Maldives (1997). This report summarizes the progress in achieving routine and supplemental vaccination coverage and surveillance for cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and the impact of these activities on polio eradication in the region.