title: Poliomyelitis: residual hurdles to global eradication. Commentary.
abstract: The global eradication of polio is close to achieving success. However, transmission of wild poliovirus persists in countries where the disease is endemic, and outbreaks may also occur in previously polio-free countries where population immunity is not maintained. To achieve polio eradication, several key actions are required: (1) to detect any poliovirus transmission, (2) to strengthen immunization systems and withdraw all oral polio vaccines from use, (3) to contain polioviruses and certify interruption of transmission, and (4) to sustain ongoing public health programs. In this context, residual hurdles to global polio eradication have been identified, from unstable political situation in affected countries to population movements from and to endemic areas, and opposition to immunization strategies. Global efforts are needed in order to promote routine immunization campaigns and large-scale vaccination rounds, which may provide direct protection of individuals and minimize virus circulation.
authors.affiliation: WHO Polio Regional Laboratory for Europe, c/o Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy - Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stefanelli
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Buttinelli
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rezza
mesh_terms: D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D023321:Poliovirus Vaccines
chemical_list: D023321:Poliovirus Vaccines