Evaluation of measures for poliomyelitis eradication and diphtheria control : report on a WHO meeting, Berlin, Germany 3-5 June 1996

Abstract

A meeting to review the progress in poliomyelitis eradication and diphtheria control in the newly independent states (‎NIS)‎ of the former Soviet Union was convened in Berlin, from 3 to 5 June 1996, by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, with financial support of the Government of Germany. The participants included representatives of 15 countries, WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (‎IFRC)‎, USAID, Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (‎CDS)‎ and BASICS. Reviewing the current state of poliomyelitis eradication it was considered that the current strategy has been very successful and it is expected to achieve eradication of wild poliovirus in the European Region by the year 2000. The immunization during Operation MECACAR in 1995 and 1996 and national immunization days (‎NID)‎ in Russia in 1996 are an evidence for this success. Surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (‎AFP)‎ is improving, but is not yet sufficient to support the certification process in the Region. The WHO/UNICEF strategy for the control of diphtheria has proved to be effective. High coverage among the entire population, especially if rapidly achieved, quickly brings the disease under control. Despite clear signs of improved diphtheria control in many countries, diphtheria cases in general still occur at unacceptable levels. Strenuous efforts and continued fundraising is necessary to control epidemic diphtheria