Vientiane, 8 December 2008—Despite the encouraging global progress in suppressing wild poliovirus type 1 in major endemic countries, transmission continues in the four endemic countries: Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan, as well as several other countries with outbreaks following importations.
Once again, the anticipated target date for global certification has shifted, with interruption of wild poliovirus transmission globally now expected at the end of 2009 at the earliest, and global certification at the end of 2012. The challenge to the Western Pacific Region and its Member States continues to be to sustain quality acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance and polio immunization at the levels needed for the early detection of and response to wild poliovirus importations and emergence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV).
In this context, the Lao People's Democratic Republic will provide oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), along with vitamin A and deworming tablets, in high-risk areas during its next Child Health Days, to be held from 8 to 22 December 2008. High-risk areas include international travel entry points, areas with a high population density, areas with mobile populations, including tourist destinations and low-coverage areas. Over 300 000 children under 5 years of age will be targeted in 58 priority districts in 12 provinces. A second dose of OPV will be offered in early February 2009.
To observe this polio vaccination campaign and support the efforts the Lao People's Democratic Republic is undertaking to maintain its polio-free status, the Regional Certification Commission will hold its annual meeting in Vientiane from 9 to 10 December 2008. This will be an important advocacy opportunity to emphasize the significance of and requirements for maintaining the country's polio-free status, which is not only a national interest but also of importance for the whole Region.
The Regional Certification Commission is composed of international public health experts from Australia, China, Japan, the Philippines, United States of America and Viet Nam.