The outbreak of polio in Tajikistan, which began in January 2021, has officially ended as confirmed by a WHO assessment in April 2022. No new cases have been reported since August 2021, attributed to extensive vaccination campaigns using the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). This marks a significant achievement in global health, being the first closure of a cVDPV2 outbreak in history.
In April 2022, an assessment by the WHO confirmed that polio is no longer spreading in Tajikistan following an outbreak that began in January 2021. The response, marked by extensive immunization efforts initiated in February 2021, successfully concluded with no new cases reported since August 2021. This outbreak was significant as it was the first instance of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) detected in the WHO European Region.
The outbreak resulted in 34 children being paralyzed and 26 others testing positive without showing symptoms. Following the outbreak, the Ministry of Health, with WHO’s support, enhanced surveillance, intensively traced contacts, and reviewed immunization coverage at subnational levels. A rigorous risk assessment determined the response scale and vaccination choices, leading to a successful nationwide immunization campaign targeting vulnerable children.
From June to September 2021, Tajikistan conducted multiple rounds of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) immunizations for children under six years old, achieving coverage above 95%. The initiative included targeted outreach for at-risk groups such as internal migrants and unregistered children to ensure everyone was vaccinated. An independent assessment confirmed the outbreak’s closure after verifying the absence of poliovirus for over six months.
The use of nOPV2 marks a milestone in global polio eradication efforts, showing significant safety and effectiveness. Since its introduction in March 2021, more than 265 million doses have been administered in 14 countries, successfully stopping the transmission of cVDPV2 in numerous instances. Tajikistan’s efforts not only halted local transmission but also contributed to research on the vaccine’s immunogenicity and global vaccine wastage studies.
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children, potentially leading to paralysis. The global health community has worked extensively since vaccination campaigns began to eliminate polio. Following the detection of vaccine-derived strains of the virus, an outbreak response was essential to prevent further cases. Tajikistan’s recent experience with polio underscores the importance of preparedness, vaccine accessibility, and community engagement in public health responses.
The successful response to the polio outbreak in Tajikistan demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive vaccination strategies and strong health system capabilities. Through rigorous surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and collaborative efforts with WHO, Tajikistan has effectively halted the spread of poliovirus. This achievement not only safeguards children’s health in the region but also adds valuable insights for future global eradication efforts.
Original Source: www.who.int
