Progress toward global poliomyelitis eradication, 1999.

In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis globally by the end of 2000. Since then, substantial progress has been made in implementing polio eradication strategies, and during 1999 these activities were accelerated to reach the global target. The number of countries where polio is endemic decreased, and the number and quality of vaccination rounds increased. Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance improved, and political commitment and the global partnership for polio eradication strengthened. This report updates progress toward achieving the polio eradication goal during 1999.