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Polio outbreaks in Namibia, 1993-1995: lessons learned

R J Biellik1, T Allies, C J Woodfill

  • 1Expanded Programme on Immunization, Southern Africa, World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Namibia controlled two polio outbreaks using national immunization days (NIDs) and oral polio vaccine (OPV). Despite suboptimal coverage, wild poliovirus detection ceased in 1995, but importation risks remain.

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Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Namibia experienced two significant outbreaks of paralytic poliomyelitis in 1993 and 1994-1995.
  • These outbreaks were linked to wild poliovirus importation from endemic regions in Angola.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of supplemental vaccination strategies in controlling polio epidemics in Namibia.
  • To assess the impact of national immunization days (NIDs) and mopping-up campaigns on poliovirus transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Implementation of WHO-recommended national immunization days (NIDs) with oral polio vaccine (OPV) for children under 5 years.
  • Application of "mopping-up" vaccination strategies to control focal outbreaks.
  • Surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) to monitor wild poliovirus circulation.

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Main Results:

  • Two polio epidemics were controlled following the implementation of NIDs and mopping-up campaigns.
  • Wild poliovirus has not been detected in Namibia since April 1995, despite suboptimal OPV coverage during interventions.
  • Supplemental vaccination measures successfully interrupted local transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Supplemental vaccination strategies, including NIDs and mopping-up, were effective in controlling polio outbreaks in Namibia.
  • Sustained high OPV coverage (>90%) in NIDs is crucial for future epidemic prevention.
  • Ongoing vigilance and regional efforts, particularly in Angola, are necessary to mitigate the risk of poliovirus re-importation.