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From: as on 16 Dec 2009 18:10
Polio Outbreaks Worry WHO

http://www.radiovop.com

Harare, December 14, 2009 - Africa has seen a rise in polio cases over
the years due to lack of immunization, the World Health Organization
said on Monday at the opening ceremony of an immunization conference in
Harare.

WHO Africa director, Dr Luis Gomes Sambo told over 150 delegates that
Angola, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria are affected the
most.

"The number of countries with polio outbreaks following the polio virus
importations has increased from 13 in 2008 to 19 in 2009," Sambo said.

"Several polio-free countries in our region have suffered setbacks in
polio eradication. It is my hope that the African region will stop the
transmission of polio virus, move towards certification and concentrate
on others public health priorities."

But Africa has scored a success in reducing measles cases on the
continent, WHO said.

"We have a recent example of success with the 92 percent reduction in
measles mortality however, we are currently facing difficulties in
sustaining this important gain because of lack of adequate funding,"
said Sambo.

"Routine immunization coverage in the region has increased during the
last ten years from 40 to 74 percent as of December 2008.However, the
overall increase in routine immunisation coverage rate masks
disparities between and within countries."

WHO said immunisation coverage has seen child mortality rate reduced to
below 10 million in Africa.

"Increased immunization coverage, along with clean water and better
sanitation, is key reason why today, for the first time in documented
history, the number of children dying each year has fallen to below 10
million," WHO said.

The Africa immunization conference in Harare runs 14 to 17 December.

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