The Global Polio Eradication Initiative: The Mexican Experience
In 1956 Mexico introduce vaccination against to polio. In 1985 adopted the Polio Eradication Initiative in the Region of the Americas. Due to the interventions the last death was documented in 1981, the last wild polio case in our country was in 1990 and in the Region of the Americas in 1991. In consequence was certified polio-free in 1994.
The National Laboratory Containment survey has been conducted in the Region of the Americas during 2010, Mexico was included and phase 1 was completed.
The aim of this study is to describe the impact of the WHO/PAHO strategies of surveillance and vaccination policies for the wild polio elimination.
METHODS:
Historical review of immunization polices in Mexico was conducted from 1940 to 2013. Surveillance system was consulted to describe morbimortality.
RESULTS:
The elimination strategies of wild polio in Mexico had been: High polio immunization (OPV) coverages >95%. Extra doses of vaccines were given in National Health Weeks. The wild poliovirus type 1 and 2 transmission was interrupted between 1986-1987. While in 1988 the type 3 was isolated. In Mexico the last wild polio case was notified in 1990. In 2007 the acellular pentavalent vaccine was introduced in our Universal Vaccine Program. Epidemiological Surveillance of Acute Flacid Paralysis with an incidence rate ≥ 1 case per 100000 below 15 years old accomplish the international indicator.
CONCLUSIONS:
Vaccination strategies and high coverage allowed interruption of wild polio transmission in Mexico.
Combination of routine immunization and supplementary immunization activities was essential to the program.
WHO/PAHO strategy may be used in other regions for wild polio elimination.
An epidemiology surveillance is essential and needed to deliver a polio-free world.