Global polio eradication: progress, but determination and vigilance still needed

To review recent events in the international effort to eradicate polio from earth and inform readers of recent changes in strategy that have implications for New Zealand

Review of recent literature and publications from World Health Organization (WHO).

After initial success in eradicating polio from Europe, the Western Pacific and the Americas, transmission of wild type polio in Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan was never interrupted. These foci were the source of importations of polio into more than 40 countries, including Australia, that were previously polio-free. This has lead to a change in strategy by WHO and there are promising indications that polio is coming under control in these places.

Importation of wild-type polio into New Zealand are still possible and it essential to maintain awareness amongst clinicians that this can happen, high immunisation levels, an effective National Poliomyelitis Response Plan for New Zealand, and ongoing surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis.