Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication--Afghanistan, January 2014‒August 2015

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Endemic transmission of wild poliovirus (WPV) continues in Afghanistan and Pakistan, challenging global eradication goals.
• Afghanistan's polio eradication program faces significant hurdles, including weak routine immunization and insecurity impacting supplementary immunization activities (SIAs).
• Cross-border transmission of WPV type 1 (WPV1) between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains a persistent concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on polio eradication activities and progress in Afghanistan from January 2014 to August 2015.
• To identify key challenges and recommend strategies for achieving polio eradication objectives in Afghanistan.
• To update previous reports on the status of polio eradication in the region.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of reported wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Afghanistan during the specified period.
• Review of polio eradication activities, including supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) and their challenges.
• Assessment of the effectiveness of current polio eradication strategies and operational oversight.

Main Results:

• Afghanistan reported 28 WPV1 cases in 2014, an increase from 14 cases in 2013.
• January–August 2015 saw nine WPV1 cases, matching the same period in 2014.
• Despite SIAs, a significant number of children remain unreached due to inefficient planning, implementation, and supervision, particularly in accessible areas.

Conclusions:

• Establishing national and regional emergency operations centers (EOCs) is critical for enhanced coordination and oversight.
• Full implementation of the revised National Emergency Action Plan, including microplanning and improved SIA supervision, is essential.
• Enhanced cross-border coordination with Pakistan is necessary to curb WPV transmission.