STRATEGIES FOR THE GLOBAL ERADICATION OF POLIOMYELITIS BY THE YEAR 2000

IN May 1988, the World Health Assembly declared that the World Health Organization was committed to the global eradication of poliomyelitis by the year 2000.1 The eradication of poliomyelitis, as with smallpox, involves the additional criterion of the elimination of indigenous transmission of wild virus. This paper reviews the progress that has been achieved, outlines current objectives, and highlights the research and development required to meet the target of global eradication. Background The initiative for the global eradication of poliomyelitis is being coordinated by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), established by the World Health Assembly in 1974. The initial. © 1991, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.