A new paradigm for international disease control: lessons learned from polio eradication in Southeast Asia.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the impact of international coordination on polio eradication in Southeast Asia.

METHODS

Active surveillance systems for acute flaccid paralysis were assessed. Analyses focused on surveillance proficiency and polio incidence.

RESULTS

Ten countries coordinated activities. Importations occurred and were rapidly contained in China and Myanmar. Countries that have been free of indigenous polio transmission for at least 3 years include Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand. In the remaining endemic countries--India, Nepal, and Bangladesh--poliovirus transmission has been substantially reduced; however, these countries still harbor the world's largest polio reservoir.

CONCLUSIONS

Unprecedented international coordination in Southeast Asia resulted in dramatic progress in polio eradication and serves as a paradigm for control of other infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis.