Antananarivo: The outbreak of variant type 1 polio in Madagascar has been declared over, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. In a statement, the WHO announced that no new cases have been reported since September 2023, marking a "milestone" in the country's ongoing efforts to eradicate polio.
According to Anadolu Agency, the outbreak reached its peak in September 2023, with 287 cases, including 45 instances of acute flaccid paralysis, 44 community cases, and 198 positive wastewater detections. Mialy Rajoelina, Madagascar's first lady and immunization ambassador, expressed optimism over the progress made in recent years regarding immunization and eradication of polio, emphasizing the importance of continued action, awareness, and collaboration to ensure a healthy future for every child.
The outbreak, which began in 2020, posed a significant health risk, particularly to children under five and unvaccinated adults, spreading across 30 districts in 13 regions in the East African island country. Polio, an infectious viral disease, spreads through contact with infected feces or contaminated food and water and can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis.