WHO Issues Polio Global Health Emergency
By Cyndi Root
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that polio is a global health emergency. WHO says that Syria, Pakistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Equatorial Guinea should immediately take aggressive action to stop the spread of polio. Gregory Hartl, WHO spokesman said, “Things are going in the wrong direction and have to get back on track before something terrible happens.”
The declaration reflects the agency’s willingness to enforce the emergency powers given it in 2007. Travel restrictions are imposed with the intention to contain epidemics within country borders and not let them slip across borders into vulnerable areas.
WHO Action
Dr. Bruce Aylward, WHO’s Chief of Polio Eradication, said that the emergency declaration is a signal from the world community that they will not tolerate the spread of disease if it can be prevented. The WHO action was precipitated due to the movement of the virus between countries even during the January to April low transmission season. WHO officials would like to prevent transmission to vulnerable countries like the Ukraine or Africa. While WHO can issue emergency declarations, it has no enforcement power. The agency said that 10 countries “should ensure” vaccinations or “encourage” travelers to be vaccinated. WHO cannot enforce restrictions, but individual countries can refuse entry to those not vaccinated.
Oral Polio Vaccine
Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is needed to vaccinate people. OPV is a mixture of live poliovirus strains. The strains are selected for their close mimicry of the immune system response. Additionally, the strains must not significantly compromise the central nervous system. Three doses are given to provide an adequate dose for seroconversion. The vaccine produces immunity to the polio virus and encourages the intestines to inhibit virus replication. This dual action helps limit transmission from person to person.
OPV Companies
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a list of approved vaccines and their manufacturers. Sanofi Pasteur, SA is the only polio vaccine supplier licensed in the U.S. Foreign countries, not needing FDA approval, can purchase vaccines from other manufacturers. For instance, Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Limited is an Indian company that has been instrumental in stopping polio in India, capturing 60 percent of the polio vaccine market in India.