Friday
September 18
2020

Analysis: How Polio Eradication in Africa Can Inform the Global COVID-19 Response

Michele BarryLucas Oliver Oswald

The global health community recently celebrated the eradication of wild poliovirus from the African continent.

We have come a long way in this worldwide effort. Wild poliovirus — not to be confused with the exceedingly rare instances of vaccine-derived poliovirus — was once present throughout the world. Today, it is endemic in only two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

We should reflect on this achievement and on lessons learned from polio eradication that can be applied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo courtesy of Sanofi Pasteur

Source: Stanford Medicine (link opens in a new window)

Categories
Coronavirus, Health Care
Tags
global development, vaccines