Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

March 30, 2012

Worldwide polio cases have declined by more than 99% due to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Not a single case of polio has been reported in India, a previously endemic country, for more than a year. You can be part of the polio success story by promoting vaccination during National Infant Immunization Week and World Immunization Week (April 21–28).  Our Progress Against Polio Reports on Eradication Progress Map: Progress From 1988 Through 2010 View enlarged map. Latest Reports From Global Polio Eradication Initiative View map | View weekly report CDC and its international partners have made significant progress over the past 22 years. The number of worldwide polio cases has fallen from an estimated 350,000 in 1988 to fewer than 1300 in 2010—a decline of more than 99% in reported cases. Three regions of the world are certified polio free—the Americas, Europe, and the Western Pacific. Only four polio-endemic countries (countries that have never interrupted the transmission of wild poliovirus) remain—Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Two of the four polio-endemic countries (India and Nigeria) are making progress,with India on track to interrupt disease transmission this year. Stories From Volunteers in the Field Time “in the field” provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. STOP team volunteers always know that they have done their part to eliminate polio from the world and strengthen childhood immunization programs. One STOP volunteer shares his stories about work in Ghana through a 3-part blog: Battling Polio in Africa: Part 1, Positive Reception in Every Village Battling Polio in Africa: Part 2, People Here Are Resourceful, Generous Battling Polio in Africa: Part 3, Long Days, Tedious Work, But So Rewarding Nepal: National Immunization Day Bangladesh: Working Around Strikes Ghana: Preaching About Polio India: A "Refreshing" Story India: Expanding Surveillance By Working With A Local Priest India: Learning To Be More Effective India: Overcoming Rumors About Vaccines Haiti: "People Are Genuinely Kind And Generous" Pakistan: Phenomenal Local Efforts To Eradicate Polio