Tariq Mehmood Mughal, Ehtisham-ul Haq, Amjad Mehmood Khan, Ashgar Ali, Tayyab Ilyas.
Population immunity against polio: a case study from ajk.
Pak J Public Health Jan ;4(2):20-3.

Introduction: Fortune is one step ahead to the objective lay down in 1988 towards eradicating Polio Globally. Polio is seized to 3 countries from 125 countries and 1 strain from 3 strains in 1988.Pakistan is one of the three endemic courtiers had 60% raise in Polio cases while Afghanistan and Nigeria decline 62% and 57% Polio cases respectively in 2013 (1). With the present rise of Polio cases in Pakistan and retransmission threat to many countries particularly from Pakistan, Polio eradication program in Pakistan need to be rebranded. As a part of this initiative, Immunization threshold against Polio is assessed in AJK (Azad Jammu and Kashmir), on the basis of number of OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) doses received by AFP cases during routine EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization) and SIAs (Supplemental Immunization activities). AJK interrupted Wild Polio Virus circulation 14 years back and maintained the epidemiological status ever since. Methodology: Retrospective review of three years data for routine EPI reported by the Health Department AJK and NIDs (National Immunization Days) assessed coverage then is compared with OPV doses for both routine and NIDs recorded in non Polio AFP (Acute accid Paralysis) cases reported during 2013-2011. Results: Data analysis showed assessed (assessed by WHO through third party) coverage of NIDs and OPV3 coverage reported by the Health Department of AJK is very close to the number of OPV doses received during NID and OPV3 coverage through routine EPI recorded in a non Polio AFP cases reported during study period. Conclusion: Data analysis shows satisfactory age matched OPV doses received by non Polio AFP cases reported from all the districts of AJK during 2011-2013. Study shows vital population immunity level against Polio in AJK perhaps is the only reason for maintaining interrupted WPV circulation since 2000.So it is correct that increased level of immunity is very essential for eradicating Polio and reaching every child is the only approach. (Pak J Public Health 2014; 4(2):12-15 ) Key words: Polio, Eradication, Immunity level, AJK

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