Should more attention be paid to polio sequela cases in China?

Abstract

Since “Global Polio Eradication Initiative” was launched by World Health Assembly in 1988, the incidence rate of polio has been reduced by more than 99%, and the whole world has entered a post polio era nowadays. China has been a polio free status recognized by World Health Organization for 22 years and most people believe that no more public health concerns need to be given. How is the population of polio survivors in China? What strategies of health economics and actions of public health for those with polio are ethically appropriate? This article, first of all, deeply summarizes and analyzes the history, current situation and unmet needs of population with polio sequelae and post-polio syndrome in China, and then, puts forward important issues faced by polio survivors who natural infected and who due to vaccine associated paralytic polio and vaccine derived poliovirus. The management of polio survivor is not only a medical and rehabilitation problem involving accessibility, accommodations, but also a public health issue, and most importantly, an ethical concern. Furthermore, from the perspective of ethics such as Justice and Cooperation, the author demonstrates the rationality and necessity of continuing to pay more attention to polio sequela cases at this stage in China. Finally, many valuable suggestions and practical recommendations are given.

Serological investigation on the prevalence of poliovirus in Guangdong province: A cross-sectional study

“…The number of polio cases was as high as 10,000–30,000 every year during the 1960s based on incomplete statistical records. 6 In 1994, the last indigenous case of wild poliovirus (WPV) infection was reported, and in October 2000, along with all other countries from the Western Pacific Region, China was certified to be free of polio. 7 Located in Southern China, Guangdong is a populous and economically vibrant province known for its significant commercial and trade activities.…”