Support to the Polio Eradication Endgame Strategic Plan

This project supports the implementation of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)’s Endgame Strategic Plan which provides a global roadmap to eradicate polio by 2020. Project activities include: (1) working with targeted governments to strengthen oral polio vaccine campaign safety and quality and introduce inactivated polio vaccine into routine immunization systems; (2) providing technical assistance to front-line workers to increase immunization coverage; and (3) working with governments to transition polio assets and infrastructure to broader health goals and national health systems. The GPEI is a partnership between UNICEF the World Health Organization the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Rotary International and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The expected outcomes as per the GPEI Strategic Plan include: (1) interruption of wild poliovirus transmission globally and more rapid detection and interruption of any new outbreaks due to vaccine-derived polioviruses; (2) strengthen immunization services in focus countries introduce inactive polio vaccine (IPV) and withdraw oral polio vaccine type 2 (OPV2) globally; (3) certify the eradication and containment of all wild polioviruses and enhance long-term global security from poliomyelitis; and (4) a plan to ensure polio investments contribute to future health goals through documentation and transition of lessons learned processes and assets of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.