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Polio eradication initiative in India: deconstructing the GPEI
C Sathyamala1, Onkar Mittal, Rajib Dasgupta
1Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. sathyamala@yahoo.com
Summary
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) strategy is flawed, hindering polio eradication. Analysis of India
Area of Science:
- Global health initiatives
- Disease eradication strategies
- Public health policy
Background:
- The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) set ambitious targets for polio eradication by 2000 and certification by 2005.
- Polio cases reported in 2004 led to further postponements of the eradication deadline.
- The GPEI involves major international health organizations like the WHO, UNICEF, and the U.S. CDC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the strategic and conceptual framework of the GPEI.
- To examine the validity of claims of 'near success' made by GPEI proponents.
- To analyze the GPEI's effectiveness in developing countries, using India as a case study.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the GPEI's strategy.
- Examination of GPEI's reported achievements and claims.
- Case study analysis of the GPEI's implementation in India over nine years (since 1995).
Main Results:
- The GPEI's strategy is argued to be conceptually flawed, not merely hampered by weak political will.
- Claims of 'near success' by GPEI proponents are critically assessed.
- The GPEI's efforts in India reveal significant challenges and questionable outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The GPEI's approach represents a mismanagement of health priorities in developing nations.
- The initiative's strategy requires fundamental re-evaluation rather than incremental adjustments.
- The GPEI's impact highlights broader issues of global health program management in the context of globalization.