Why it’s important that we keep at the fight until it’s finished
Posted by Rich Kaye on Aug 16, 2016
The good news is that there have only been 19 cases of wild poliovirus paralysis publicly reported this calendar year. But with polio, for every two steps forward there seems to be one back.
In Nigeria, wild poliovirus type one has been detected from Borno state. Virus was isolated from two local government areas of Borno. Both cases are reported as ‘advanced notification’ this week and will be reflected in the official data next week.
It is the first cases of wild poliovirus detected in Nigeria since July 2014. Genetic sequencing of the viruses suggest they are most closely linked to the strain of poliovirus last detected in Nigeria in 2011, indicating the strain has been circulating without detection since that time.
An outbreak response plan is currently being finalized, consisting of three large-scale supplementary immunization activities, the first one beginning within two weeks and subsequent rounds being conducted at short intervals (of between two to three weeks).
This is why RCKH is committed to supporting polio eradication until the job is done.
Rotarians have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries. For as little as $0.60, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life.