Political, administrative, and economic resources for the control of poliomyelitis

Control of any major childhood disease in developing countries is dependent on the ability of health services to reach the susceptible population and to administer appropriate therapy or preventive action. Both of these needs are addressed by the development of primary health-care services. The vaccine-preventable diseases, including poliomyelitis, are likely to be controlled only through programs that are executed through the primary health-care system. The implications of the technical aspect of poliomyelitis control on economic resources are secondary to the administrative capability of the programs to manage these technical facilities effectively. The first prerequisite of any health program is the political will on the part of the decision makers to carry it through effectively. This will be reflected in the strength of the administrative structures and the economic resources made available. At present poliomyelitis, with its clinical visibility and its appeal to humanitarian instincts, has an importance as a leader for immunization programs and thus, for primary health care.