Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners hailed the leadership in Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe for timely and successful response to the Wild Polio Outbreak that occurred in two countries, Malawi and Mozambique.
Acknowledged by many in the meeting room is the porous borderlines, reduced immunisation coverage amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, long diagnosis turnaround time and continued transmission in endemic countries contributing to the recent outbreaks and continued threat.
Among the GPEI partners present were WHO (the hosts), Rotary International, US CDC, GAVI and BMGF.
WHO Regional Director Dr Moeti emphasised and reiterated on the submissions by countries including cross border collaboration, integration of programs, partnerships and strengthened systems for timely and accurate diagnosis as well as response to outbreaks.
Zambia was represented in the high level closed door meeting on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the Regional committee meeting for WHO Afro by the Minister of Health Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo, MP
Hon. Masebo emphasised the need for cross-border collaboration, routine and supplementary immunisation, surveillance for early detection. She went on to encourage the scientific minds to develop diagnostics and systems that will improve the turnaround time for confirmation of polio.
