April was bookmarked by the deliberations of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization (SAGE) at the beginning of the month and World Immunization Week (April 24-30), which spotlighted the heroic efforts of polio workers and vaccine champions worldwide.
 
From Pakistan to Papua New Guinea, these advocates work tirelessly to deliver and build trust in vaccines – helping to ensure that no child is deprived of lifesaving protection against preventable diseases like polio.
IN THIS ISSUE
  • How do we achieve and sustain a polio-free world?
  • Polio fighters in Papua New Guinea
Down to brass tacks
IN THIS ISSUE
  • How do we achieve and sustain a polio-free world?
  • Polio fighters in Papua New Guinea
Down to brass tacks
  •  
Circulating vaccine derived poliovirus cases 2019*

Democratic Republic of the Congo: 1 (4)
Indonesia 0 (0)
Mozambique 0 (0)
Niger 0 (0)
Nigeria: 7 (0)
Papua New Guinea: 0 (0)
Somalia: 0 (0)

More information: Polio this week

*Data as of 29 April 2019, compared to the same point in 2018.

Total for 2018: Global 103 - DRC 20, Indonesia 1, Mozambique 1, Niger 9, Nigeria 34, PNG 26, Somalia 12

How do we achieve and sustain a polio-free world?
The Polio Endgame Strategy 2019-2023 was launched on 30 April 2019. The strategy is the guiding document for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and partners to overcome final hurdles in eradication by honing in on the well-established tools and innovations to stay the course towards sustaining a polio-free world.

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Polio fighters in Papua New Guinea
Amidst a vaccine-derived polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea, women polio workers and health leaders are playing a critical role in ensuring more children are protected from the virus. Meet three of these dedicated workers and learn more about their efforts to track the virus, build community trust and reach every last child with the polio vaccine. 
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Down to brass tacks
In Africa, active polio case search is done in real-time as surveillance officers visit the healthcare facility. With a few quick taps and clicks on their smartphone-based application, the surveillance officers easily submit their report even without internet. On the receiving end, in the control room, public health experts quickly analyze data and mobilize resources for targeted response against polio.
 
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POLIO IN THE NEWS

Scientific American: How can we increase trust in vaccines?
Forbes: Why vaccines matter in 2019
Hindustan Times: India was the turning point in the fight against polio
PICTURE OF THE MONTH

Thanks to thousands of everyday vaccine heroes, children across the world are protected against diseases like polio. © UNICEF Papua New Guinea

 
 



 
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