Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication–India, 2002

Since the World Health Assembly resolved in May 1988 to eradicate poliomyelitis, the estimated global incidence of polio has decreased >99%, and three World Health Organization (WHO) regions (Americas, Western Pacific, and European) have been certified as polio-free. In 1995, India began accelerating polio eradication activities. By 2001, poliovirus circulation had been limited largely to the two northern states of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar, with 268 cases reported nationwide. However, in 2002, a major regional resurgence of polio occurred. As of January 25, 2003, a total of 1,556 cases were detected nationwide, of which 1,337 (86%) were in UP and Bihar. This report summarizes the status of polio eradication activities in India during 2002, analyzes the factors contributing to the resurgence, and describes the actions being taken to reduce poliovirus transmission.