Effectiveness of the polio eradication program in Viet Nam, 1993-1998

ABSTRACT

After 5 years, since 1993, the strategies for polio eradication have been well implemented. Coverage of routine immunization with 3 doses of OPV to children under 1 year of age has always been maintained higher than 90%. Coverage of supplementary immunization with 2 doses of OPV to children under 5 years of age during the NIDs has been achieved greater than 98%, surveillance of all the acute flaccid paralysis cases with collection of 2 adequate stool specimens for the identification of wild poliovirus. The results of the surveillance show that wild poliovirus cases have disappeared, decreasing from 152 cases in 1993 to 0 cases in 1998. The last cases of wild poliovirus identified in Phu Yen province of Central region had the date of onset on the 29th January 1997.