The independent technical oversight body for global polio eradication  met on 11-12 October 2006 to review global progress in the past year and recommend steps to: end poliovirus transmission rapidly in the remaining four endemic areas; limit international spread of the virus and; prepare for eventual eradication of polio and cessation of oral polio vaccination. Below is a summary of the committee's report and key recommendations. The full report is also available for download (PDF).

Context: International concern over four endemic countries The ACPE stated that the world's success in eradicating polio now depends on four countries – Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. International concern is very high regarding the pace of eradication in the remaining endemic areas. The longer it takes to interrupt transmission in these countries, the greater the danger of wild poliovirus being exported to areas that are currently polio-free.  These four countries represent the only remaining reservoirs of native wild poliovirus and account for 92% of all reported cases globally.  Progress in stopping outbreaks of polio following importation of wild poliovirus into polio-free areas has been substantial. In 2006 these outbreaks have accounted for only 8% of all globally reported cases to date, down from more than 60% in 2005. Number of cases of polio due to importations (as of 1 October 2006)                           Despite the progress in controlling outbreaks in polio-free areas following importation, ongoing transmission of wild poliovirus in endemic areas poses a constant risk to the achievement of polio eradication globally.  Endemic areas: constant risk to eradication                           Key recommendations To stop transmission in endemic areas: 7-8 rounds of supplementary immunization should be conducted per year with the appropriate oral polio vaccine to reach all children Following the example of Afghanistan, where the President has formed a working group reporting directly to him, mechanisms should be established to regularly brief the Head of State in each of the endemic countries on progress and requirements. Endemic countries should establish realistic targets and planning timeframes that extend beyond 18 months, to facilitate international risk management and domestic allocation of resources. To limit international spread: Areas with importations of polio should continue supplementary immunization activities until circulation of wild poliovirus has been interrupted with the appropriate monovalent oral polio vaccine. Countries bordering endemic areas of Nigeria and India should continue to conduct supplementary immunization activities of an appropriate scale annually until transmission in the endemic reservoirs is interrupted.  The ACPE recommended that the WHO publication "International Travel and Health" should be updated to recommend that all travellers to and from polio infected areas should be fully immunized against poliomyelitis in accordance with national policy.  A Standing Recommendation on polio immunization for travellers from polio-infected areas should be established under the International Health Regulations 2005. Saudi Arabia has already established immunization requirements for pilgrims from polio-infected countries. Strategic plan for next phase The ACPE also requested that the GPEI prepare a new Global Strategic Plan for the period 2007- 2010 to provide a longer term framework for eradication and post-eradication activities. The committee endorsed the strategies for work towards the eventual cessation of routine use of OPV in a post-eradication era.

Useful documents all documents in pdf all maps in jpg Report of the 2006 ACPE Members of the ACPE Press release Afghanistan map, facts India  map, facts Nigeria map, facts Pakistan  map, facts Vaccination campaign dates   About the polio partnership   Rotary International Polio Plus   Report of the 2005 ACPE