Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication–Nigeria, 1996-1998

In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis globally by 2000. In the African Region of the World Health Organization (WHO), eradication efforts were accelerated following supporting resolutions by WHO’s Regional Committee for Africa in 1995 and the Organization of African Unity in 1996. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and part of a densely populated West African area extending from Nigeria to Cote D’Ivoire, is critically important to the global polio eradication initiative. This report summarizes 1) the success of National Immunization Days (NIDs); 2) the establishment of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance; and 3) accelerated efforts to meet the 2000 target, including mopping-up planned for later in 1999.