Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication–Europe and Central Asian Republics, 1997-May 1998

In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis globally by 2000. In 1995, the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region (EUR), comprising 51 member states (including Israel and the Central Asian Republics), accelerated efforts toward polio eradication. Improvements in status have been reported previously. This report summarizes progress toward polio eradication during 1997-1998, demonstrating that polio incidence has decreased to seven cases in 1997 and two cases in 1998, and surveillance has improved substantially.