Current status of polio eradication in Southern Africa

During the 1990s, poliomyelitis transmission in 11 mainland and island nations of southern Africa appeared relatively low. However, the implementation of specific strategies recommended by the World Health Organization for eradicating polio in southern Africa began only in 1994. In 1995, oral poliovirus vaccine coverage (three doses) among infants was > or = 75% in all but 4 countries. National immunization days (NIDs) to control polio outbreaks were carried out in Namibia in 1994 and 1995. Angola, Botswana, and South Africa carried out subnational NIDs in 1995. All countries in southern Africa except Madagascar planned NIDs in 1996. Epidemiologic surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and laboratory surveillance of wild poliovirus was launched after nationwide training workshops in 7 mainland countries and is planned in the remaining countries by the end of 1996. Analysis of recommended performance indicators of AFP surveillance shows that substantial progress was made during 1994-1995, and the prospects for the certification of polio-free status in southern Africa on target appear good.