title: Strengthening the partnership between routine immunization and the global polio eradication initiative to achieve eradication and assure sustainability.
abstract: Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, the number of polio endemic countries has declined from 125 to 3 in 2013. Despite this remarkable achievement, ongoing circulation of wild poliovirus in polio-endemic countries and the increase in the number of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases, especially those caused by type 2, is a cause for concern. The Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018 (PEESP) was developed and includes 4 objectives: detection and interruption of poliovirus transmission, containment and certification, legacy planning, and a renewed emphasis on strengthening routine immunization (RI) programs. This is critical for the phased withdrawal of oral poliovirus vaccine, beginning with the type 2 component, and the introduction of a single dose of inactivated polio vaccine into RI programs. This objective has inspired renewed consideration of how the GPEI and RI programs can mutually benefit one another, how the infrastructure from the GPEI can be used to strengthen RI, and how a strengthened RI can facilitate polio eradication. The PEESP is the first GPEI strategic plan that places strong and clear emphasis on the necessity of improving RI to achieve and sustain global polio eradication.
authors.affiliation: UNICEF, New York City, New York.
authors.forename: Jalaa
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abdelwahab
authors.affiliation: Global Immunization Division, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Vance
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dietz
authors.affiliation: WHO, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Rudolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eggers
authors.affiliation: WHO, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.affiliation: UNICEF, New York City, New York.
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olaniran
authors.affiliation: Global Immunization Division, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Hardeep
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sandhu
authors.affiliation: UNICEF, New York City, New York.
authors.forename: Jos
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vandelaer
mesh_terms: D060740:Disease Eradication / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D023321:Poliovirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D023321:Poliovirus Vaccines
keywords: polio eradication; strengthening routine immunization