Global Polio Eradication Initiative: Lessons Learned and Legacy

Abstract

The world is on the verge of achieving global polio eradication. During >25 years of operations, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has mobilized and trained millions of volunteers, social mobilizers, and health workers; accessed households untouched by other health initiatives; mapped and brought health interventions to chronically neglected and underserved communities; and established a standardized, real-time global surveillance and response capacity. It is important to document the lessons learned from polio eradication, especially because it is one of the largest ever global health initiatives. The health community has an obligation to ensure that these lessons and the knowledge generated are shared and contribute to real, sustained changes in our approach to global health. We have summarized what we believe are 10 leading lessons learned from the polio eradication initiative. We have the opportunity and obligation to build a better future by applying the lessons learned from GPEI and its infrastructure and unique functions to other global health priorities and initiatives. In so doing, we can extend the global public good gained by ending for all time one of the world's most devastating diseases by also ensuring that these investments provide public health dividends and benefits for years to come.

Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network Support for Elimination Goals, 2010–2015

“…Polio legacy planning has begun to transition polio assets to strengthen routine immunization services and measles and rubella elimination efforts, while maintaining the essential polio functions of containment and surveillance (8). In many countries, Global Polio Laboratory Network and GMRLN laboratories are already located in the same institution and share personnel, infrastructure, quality control programs, technical training, and biosafety/biosecurity procedures.…”

Statistical physics of vaccination

“…At the same time in Pakistan, violence against WHO vaccinators has stymied efforts to combat polio [381]. Despite this, global polio eradication is coming closer [382].…”

“…That is to say, voluntary policy generates oscillations in the uptake of vaccination [436], which is particular true for highly transmissible diseases. However, the history of smallpox teaches us that complete eradication by means of voluntary vaccination is possible [377,382,561]. Aiming to elucidate this observation, Perisic et al have integrated disease dynamics with a voluntary ring vaccination policy in a social network [432].…”

The path to longer and healthier lives for all Africans by 2030: the Lancet Commission on the future of health in sub-Saharan Africa

“…224 The upcoming end of the polio eradication programme provides an opportunity to repurpose and transfer its infrastructure and capacity to the general public health system. 257 Capacity developed to prepare and respond to the Ebola epidemic in both affected and non-affected countries, such as community event based surveillance systems, could also be used as a foundation for public health system development. 258 Given the weakness of public health systems, the lack of critical mass in many countries, and the potential for infectious disease threats to cross borders, there is much to be gained from more proactive sharing of data as well as regional and international technical expertise.…”