Abstract
Following the outbreak of poliovirus in the countries in the Horn of Africa, Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia, in two WHO regions, an outbreak response involving the WHO Africa and WHO East and Mediterranean Regions and partner agencies like the UNICEF in East and Southern African was developed. This paper documents response to polio virus outbreak in the Horn of Africa and the lessons learnt for the interregional and inter-agency collaboration on the response. This collaboration led to speedy interruption of the outbreak and within a period of one year the total virus load of 217 in 2013 was brought down to mere six. This resulted from collaborative planning and implementation of activities to boost the hitherto low immunity in the countries andimprove surveillance among others. A number of lesson were generated from the process. Some of the lessons is critical role such collaboration plays in ensuring simultaneous immunity boosting, information and resources sharing, among other. Some challenges were equally encountered, chiefly in the appropriation of authorities. In conclusion, however, one is safe to note that the collaboration was very fruitful given the timely interruption of transmission.
Highlights
Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) recorded major successes, following the setting up of the initiative and declaration of the completion of polio eradication a programmatic and public health emergency in 20121-4
Substantial progress was made in the fight against polio in the African Region, with cases of wild poliovirus (WPV) dropping from 912 reported in 2008 in 12 countries to 128 cases in 3 countries by the end of 20126
An avalanche of poliovirus hit the Horn of Africa (HOA) between the periods of 2013 and 2014, which began with an outbreak of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in 20137-12
Summary
Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) recorded major successes, following the setting up of the initiative and declaration of the completion of polio eradication a programmatic and public health emergency in 20121-4. Though present in three different countries, the outbreak was in the same ethnic group with different clans the main ones being Jilaal, Gu, Xagaa, Karan and Deyr spread across three countries Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and the two WHO regions AFRO and EMRO (See Figure 1a).
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