Western Pacific 10 Years Polio-Free

Western Pacific Now 10 Years Polio-Free, But Must Remain Vigilant—WHO

MANILA, 29 October 2010—The World Health Organization's Western Pacific Region today celebrates its 10th year of being certified polio-free, but at the same time it is warning Member States not to drop their guard as wild poliovirus continues to circulate in other parts of the world.

"We cannot become complacent as global polio eradication is an unfinished story," said Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. "The virus travels and as long as there is polio anywhere in the world, any child who has not been fully vaccinated is vulnerable."

The virus has been persistent in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Nigeria, where wild poliovirus transmission has never been halted despite eradication efforts.

ENDS

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