Malawi, Mozambique get praise on polio eradication

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has hailed Malawi and Mozambique for their efforts in defeating polio.

A statement from WHO released yesterday stated that this follows a thorough assessment by an independent polio outbreak response assessment team which recommended the closure of the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) outbreak in both countries.

Part of the statement reads: “The last WPV1 case in the African Region was reported in Mozambique’s Tete Province in August 2022. In a coordinated response, over 50 million children have been vaccinated against the virus in five southern African countries”.

The statement said the success of these efforts reflects the commitment and collaborative efforts of African governments, health workers, communities, and Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners.

It further stated that the establishment of 15 new wastewater surveillance sites in the affected countries has also enhanced polio surveillance.

WHO regional director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti is quoted having emphasised the need for continued strengthening of immunisation systems, surveillance, and vaccination of all children.

She said: “This achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when we work together with dedication and determination.

“I commend the governments of Malawi and Mozambique, as well as all those involved in the response, for their tireless efforts to contain the outbreak.”

United Nations Children’s Fund regional director for Southern and Eastern Africa Etleva Kadilli said the official closure of the outbreak is a success due to unfaltering determination and strong collaboration between Mozambique and Malawi governments, including health workers and partners in the sector.

“Going forward, routine immunisation must remain high up on the priority list. No child is safe from polio until all children are vaccinated,” she said.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation president of global development Dr Chris Elias is also quoted in the statement as having said such commitments will lead to achieving a world free from all forms of polio.

In 2005, Malawi obtained a polio free status while the WHO African Region received a polio free status certificate in 2020.

But in February 2022, Malawi registered a polio case of a three year old girl in Lilongwe.

The case was the first after 30 years as the country had last reported polio cases in 1992.