At a meeting of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Polio Oversight Board (POB) on 17 July, the current epidemiology of poliovirus and the two goals of the GPEI’s 2022-2026 strategic plan were discussed. The POB concluded that more time will be needed to reach the goals of interrupting transmission of both wild poliovirus and variant poliovirus type 2. The timeline to certify the world wild poliovirus free has been extended to 2027, and the timeline to certify the world variant poliovirus type 2 free has been extended to 2029. But, the historic opportunity to eradicate polio remains within reach and the best way for Rotarians to continue our leadership role in the GPEI is to meet our fundraising goal of $50 million annually, to raise awareness about Rotary’s role in the effort and to invite others to join in the global effort.
Circulating variant type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV) was confirmed in the Gaza Strip. Virus was isolated from six environmental (sewage) samples, collected from two different collection sites in two sub-regions within Gaza, collected on 23 June 2024.
Note: these were NOT cases of polio, but the risk is there, especially since it is likely that many immunizations have not occurred since Oct. 7 ,2023
