The global poliomyelitis eradication initiative: progress and challenges.

In 1988, The World Health Assembly committed WHO and its member states to the goal of poliomyelitis eradication by the year 2000. Global progress in implementation of strategies include routine and supplementary immunisation, AFP surveillance strategy and mopping up. Progress made in global polio eradication within 10 years has been dramatic. Challenges consist of tailoring and fine tuning strategies and sustaining adequate levels of findings. Although the intensified effort will increase needed resources in the short term, it will save costs in the long term.