In Lao Democratic People’s Republic a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) outbreak has been confirmed, with one case, an eight year old boy who had onset of paralysis on 7 September. Outbreaks of cVDPVs can arise in areas of low population immunity, emphasizing the importance of strong vaccination coverage. Learn more about VDPVs.
Thirty five million children were reached with polio vaccines during the September campaigns in Pakistan. Nearly 3 million children who were previously missed were vaccinated during the catch up days following this campaign. ‘Continuous community-protected vaccination’ (community based vaccinators who carry out immunization activities on an ongoing basis) and health camps are helping to reach children in the most difficult to reach areas.
Last week, the Independent Monitoring Board met in London to assess progress towards polio eradication and to make recommendations for the coming months. The report is expected to be published in the next few weeks.