Nepal has introduced Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as part of a plan to ensure that IPV be made available to millions of children in Gavi-supported countries through the introduction of the vaccine into routine immunisation systems.
Children in Afghanistan and Pakistan, two of the final three countries where polio remains endemic, are also set to begin receiving IPV by the end of next year as part of the planned ‘endgame’ for eradicating the crippling disease. Nigeria, the third country where polio remains endemic, has also applied to introduce IPV, with approval expected shortly.
Afghanistan, Nepal and Pakistan are among 25 countries who have received approval to begin using IPV with support from Gavi, while gradually phasing out the oral polio vaccine (OPV) which is currently used in most developing countries.
Adding IPV to routine immunisation programmes will improve immunity and help prevent new vaccine-associated outbreaks from emerging. In May 2013, the World Health Assembly endorsed the Polio Eradication & Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018, calling on countries to strengthen routine immunisation programmes and introduce at least one dose of IPV as a lead up to the phased removal of oral polio vaccines.
“Nepal’s introduction of IPV with Gavi support marks an important moment in the global effort to secure a polio-free future,” said Dr Seth Berkley, CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “Gavi is working with partners to ensure that millions of children in the world’s poorest countries are protected with IPV through routine immunisation as an important step towards achieving global polio eradication.”
Countries approved for IPV introductions can also receive a one-time grant to support a share of the additional costs related to the vaccine’s introduction.
EH News Bureau