Developing and expanding contributions of the global laboratory network for poliomyelitis eradication, 1997-1999

In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis globally by 2000. Substantial progress toward achieving this goal has been reported from all countries where polio is endemic, and three regions of the World Health Organization (WHO) (American Region, European Region, and Western Pacific Region) appear to be free of indigenous wild poliovirus transmission. One key strategy for polio eradication is establishing sensitive surveillance systems for polio (through notification of acute flaccid paralysis [AFP] cases) and poliovirus. To ensure that specimens from AFP cases undergo appropriate processing for viral isolation, WHO has established a global laboratory network. This report describes the proficiency of the network and provides updates on structure, accreditation, performance, expanding activities, and future plans.