Global Eradication of Poliomyelitis and Measles: Another Quiet Revolution

In September 1985, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) targeted poliomyelitis for eradication from the Americas by 1990 [1]. To achieve this eradication, a strategy aimed at rapidly interrupting chains of transmission was implemented; methods included routine administration of oral poliomyelitis vaccine and national immunization days. The national immunization days, along with surveillance for persons with acute flaccid paralysis and laboratory tests to detect wild poliovirus in the stools of these persons, proved to be key components of the strategy to eradicate poliomyelitis. Another key component was house-to-house mop-up operations done to administer oral poliomyelitis vaccine to persons in the few municipalities in which poliomyelitis was still prevalent [2].

In September 1994, the International Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis in the Americas certified that transmission of wild poliovirus had been interrupted in the western hemisphere [3]. By October 1996, more than 5 years had passed since the last confirmed case of paralytic poliomyelitis caused by wild poliovirus was detected on 23 August 1991 in Peru. This is an historically significant event in the annals of public health.

The eradication of poliomyelitis from the Americas was made possible by great commitment and allocation of natural resources on the part of the governments of all countries involved, a sound epidemiologic strategy, and well-coordinated international support to aid national efforts. Under the leadership of PAHO, such organizations as UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Canadian Public Health Association, and Rotary International worked together to support national efforts [4].

The strategies …