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Progress and challenges toward poliomyelitis eradication in Indonesia
1Department of Child Health, School of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia. ismoe@indosat.net.id
Summary
Poliomyelitis eradication is achievable with available vaccines. Continued efforts in immunization and surveillance are crucial to eliminate the remaining global transmission of this disease.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Poliomyelitis is a viral disease with the potential for global eradication due to an effective vaccine and the virus's limited environmental survival.
- Significant progress has been made, with reported cases declining dramatically and millions of children saved annually by the oral polio vaccine (OPV).
- Despite global declines, wild poliovirus transmission persists in specific regions, notably in parts of Africa and Asia, including India, Nepal, and Bangladesh within the SEARO region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the strategies and challenges in eradicating poliomyelitis, focusing on the Indonesian experience and the broader SEARO region.
- To highlight the importance of comprehensive immunization programs and robust surveillance systems in achieving polio-free status.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a four-pronged strategy in Indonesia: routine immunization, National Immunization Days (NIDs), Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, and supplementary immunizations.
- Monitoring of wild poliovirus transmission in the SEARO region, identifying at-risk countries.
Main Results:
- Indonesia has not detected polio cases since 1995, indicating the success of implemented eradication strategies.
- Wild poliovirus remains a threat in 20 countries, primarily in Africa and Asia, with ongoing transmission in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
- Certification of the entire SEARO region as polio-free is pending, underscoring the need for sustained regional efforts.
Conclusions:
- Achieving global poliomyelitis eradication requires addressing remaining transmission hotspots and ensuring comprehensive vaccination coverage.
- Strengthening immunization programs and revitalizing Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance are critical priorities for polio eradication efforts.
- Continued international cooperation and targeted interventions are essential to eliminate poliomyelitis worldwide.