Health authorities commit to intensify efforts to keep the Region of the Americas free of polio

Washington, DC, September 29, 2022 (PAHO) – Following the decline in polio vaccination and surveillance levels throughout the Americas, and the recent confirmation of poliovirus circulation in New York State , health authorities in the region today approved a resolution to prioritize polio mitigation plans, including actions to increase vaccination and surveillance, and ensure adequate preparation for a possible outbreak.

The document was unanimously adopted by the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which brings together ministers and other high-level health authorities from the Americas every five years to determine the institution’s general policies .

The resolution calls on countries to engage civil society, community leaders, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, academic institutions and/or after stakeholders to advance and work in a coordinated manner in order to keep the Region free of poliomyelitis.

The countries asked PAHO -as a health agency for the Americas and Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the region- to provide technical cooperation and promote collaboration among Member States in the development, implementation and monitoring of polio risk mitigation and preparedness plans.

Countries were also asked to report to PAHO on the progress made, as well as the challenges they face in implementing efforts to keep polio at bay in the region.

Poliomyelitis, which can spread rapidly among communities with insufficient vaccination coverage, is not treatable, but it is totally preventable with vaccines. However, vaccination coverage has fallen below 80% in almost all countries of the Americas in recent years, and 12 countries in the region are at very high or high risk of experiencing an outbreak. The recommended vaccination coverage to prevent reintroduction of the virus is 95%.

Before the circulation of polio derived from vaccination in the state of New York (United States) was confirmed, the PAHO had issued an alert to Member States to remain vigilant and take steps to proactively reach unvaccinated populations, as well as to increase surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis, an indicator of polio circulation.

In 1994, after the concerted efforts of the countries with the support of PAHO, the Region of the Americas was the first in the world to be certified polio-free by the WHO.

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