Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication Nigeria, 1996-1998 In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis globally by 2000 (1). In the African Region of the World Health Organization (WHO), eradication efforts were accelerated following supporting resolutions by WHO's Regional Committee for Africa in 1995 (2,3) and the Organization of African Unity in 1996 (4). Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and part of a densely populated West African area extending from Nigeria to Cote D'Ivoire, is critically important to the global polio eradication initiative. This report summarizes 1) the success of National Immunization Days (NIDs) *; 2) the establishment of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance; and 3) accelerated efforts to meet the 2000 target, including mopping-up ** planned for later in 1999. Routine Vaccination Coverage During 1994-1997, reported routine vaccination coverage with three doses of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) among infants aged less than 1 year nationwide remained at low levels: 34% in 1994, 29% in 1995, 21% in 1996, and 25% in 1997. These suboptimal coverage rates varied substantially by state within Nigeria. National Immunization Days In 1996, Nigeria initiated NIDs, and reported nationwide OPV coverage was 47% after the first round in November and 75% after the second round in December (5). In 1997, nationwide coverage was 76% following the first round of NIDs and 94% after the second round (6). Nationwide coverage of the third NIDs was 100% in the first round in November 1998 and 108% in the second round in December 1998 ***. In 1998, reported coverage during round one ranged from 63% in Imo State to 147% in Katsina State. | |
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