The major public health achievement reflects the effort and commitment of the Ministry of Health of Iraq, partners and the hard work of thousands of health workers throughout the country despite a complex and volatile security situation.
The report however highlighted that Iraq is still ‘vulnerable to international spread’ and must remain vigilant to ensure all children receive polio vaccine every time it is offered. Any lapse in routine immunization or polio vaccination campaign coverage could again leave Iraqi children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
The IHR recommended Iraq should enhance surveillance quality to reduce the risk of undetected wild poliovirus transmission, particularly among high risk mobile and vulnerable populations; intensify efforts to ensure vaccination of mobile and cross-border populations, Internally Displaced Persons, refugees and other vulnerable groups; and enhance regional cooperation and cross border coordination to ensure prompt detection of wild poliovirus and vaccination of high risk population groups.
The coordinated emergency polio outbreak response was boosted by the generous contributions from governments of Britain, Germany, USA and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with support from Rotary International.
Impressive gains have been made in the global program but the risk of reinfection in Iraq remains. In 2015, polio is only found in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, but this virus can easily make its way into any population where children are not adequately vaccinated through routine immunization or outreach campaigns.
Polio does not respect borders so until the world is polio free, polio anywhere is a threat to children everywhere. Government of Iraq has reported a funding gap of 45 Million US$ for remaining 2015 and 2016 to keep Iraq polio-free.
(Source: UN)
(Polio image via Shutterstock)
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