Latest figures on polio cases around the world February 2016

There have been no reported cases so far in 2016.

Here are the final figures for 2015.

Wild Polio Virus - 1:     There were 73 cases during 2015  vs 359 cases in 2014.   54 of these cases were in Pakistan vs 306 cases, and 19 cases in Afghanistan vs 28.

Wild Polio Virus - 3:     No cases since November 2012

Vaccine Derived Polio Virus - 1:   19 cases in 2015,  10 in Madagascar, 2 in the Ukraine and  7 cases in Laos  vs 1 case worldwide in 2014.

Vaccine Derived Polio Virus - 2:     9 cases in 2015, 2 in Pakistan, 2 in Myanmar, 4 in Guinea and 1 in Nigeria vs 55 cases worldwide in 2014.

Vaccine derived polio only occurs when the oral polio vaccine is used, more and more countries are now using the inactive polio vaccine which cannot cause vaccine derived polio.

A suicide bomber attacked a polio vaccination centre in Pakistan on 13^th January, killing 15 people and injuring 25.  Most of those killed were policemen who were guarding the vaccination workers.  There were 66 polio-related murders in Pakistan in 2015.  The attack has been condemned at all levels and Rotary International has publically applauded the Pakistan Government’s commitment to continue the fight against polio despite these horrific incidents.

Mansel Thomas

End Polio Now Co-ordinator.

Mansel.theshieling@gmail.com