Polio Eradication in the Western Pacific Region

This publication tells the story of how the polio virus was hunted down, cornered in smaller and smaller areas and then eventually eliminated by an organized, determined effort. It was done systematically, with good planning, strong efforts in national capitals and in millions of villages and households, supported by a coalition of people and organizations with constant evaluation and review of activities to improve quality and effectiveness. Polio eradication shows what can be accomplished in the area of health when all countries work together in a common effort towards a common goal. The text focuses on practical aspect of getting people to work together, polio supplementary immunizations campaigns, surveillance systems, routine immunization, strategic requirements and post-certification strategy.