Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication–south east Asia region, 1988-1994

Since the adoption of the poliomyelitis eradication initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988, substantial progress toward the eradication of polio has been achieved in the Region of the Americas and in the Western Pacific Region of WHO (1-3). A major step toward global eradication was made in 1994, when polio eradication activities–specifically the implementation of biannual National Immunization Days (NIDs)–were accelerated in the member countries of the South East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO. In August 1994, Thailand became the first SEAR country to conduct NIDs; by February 1996, seven of the 10 member countries will have conducted NIDs. This report summarizes progress toward the eradication of polio in SEAR countries from 1988 though 1994 and is based on data reported through June 1995.