Polio Eradication in India: Myth or Reality.

BACKGROUND

Poliomyelitis has been eradicated from large parts of the world. In South East Asian Region, India and Pakistan remain the only countries where active transmission of the disease persists. A decade-long initiative to eradicate the disease is in progress in India. Initial results were encouraging, with the number of fresh polio decreasing till 2001. The year 2002, however, witnessed a setback, with significant rise in cases of poliomyelitis.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

The eradication measures have been reviewed. The corrective measures appear to be succeeding. Various facets of eradication and their impact are evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Poliomyelitis is controlled but the ultimate target of eradication may still be elusive, keeping in mind operational lacunae and vaccine virus characteristics.