16 May 2017 – In continuation of WHO efforts to prevent importation of poliovirus to Libya, WHO in coordination with UNICEF, has supported the efforts of the national Centre for Disease Control in the implementation of a subnational immunization campaign in 8 districts of the south of the country, including children of migrants and internally displaced persons.
In spite of conflict during all phases of the campaign, 86 253 (83.4%) children under 6 years of age were vaccinated from 29 April to 4 May 2017. Independent post-campaign evaluation by nongovernmental organizations and field data validation by WHO staff is ongoing.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiatives works to strengthen surveillance and immunization systems in WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region to ensure that polio has truly ended and immunity against the virus improves. In many countries of the world, surveillance against polio is maintained through the global initiative, and vaccination activities continue, to make sure children remain protected as long as there is polio anywhere.
In every vulnerable country, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative helps make sure that every child receives polio vaccines; even those who are hard to reach. Find out more about the role of WHO within the partnership.
Watch the video: Reaching every last child
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Global Polio Eradication Initiative
