The Global Polio Eradication Initiative Strategic Plan 2004-2008, a 44-page document from the World Health Organization (WHO), outlines activities required to interrupt poliovirus transmission in 2004-2005, achieve global certification of the eradication of polio by country, mainstream the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 2006-2008, and prepare for the Global Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Cessation Phase in 2009 and beyond. This plan reflects the major tactical revisions that were introduced in 2003 to interrupt the final chains of polio transmission, the revised time frame for certification of eradication, and the decision to stop immunisation with oral polio vaccine (OPV) globally as soon as possible after global certification.

Objective 1 of the plan details the immunisation and surveillance activities needed to finish the job of eradication and protect the investment made in polio-free areas. The plan highlights the 3 countries linked to over 95% of cases in 2003: Nigeria, India, and Pakistan. Objectives 2 and 3 of the plan outline activities for certifying the world polio-free and preparing for the Global OPV Cessation Phase that will follow. With the certification process and criteria having been validated in three WHO regions, Objective 2 focuses on improving surveillance quality (especially in the 19 countries yet to achieve certification-standard), reversing declines in surveillance sensitivity in the regions that have been certified, and completing Phase II of the Global Action Plan for the Laboratory Containment of Wild Polioviruses. Objective 3 outlines the implications of the 2003 decision to stop OPV after global certification. The plan outlines the work required to develop laboratory containment of virus strains and vaccine stockpiles. The fourth objective of the plan addresses the work required to integrate and/or transition the human resources, physical infrastructure, and institutional arrangements that were established for polio eradication into other disease control, surveillance, and response programmes. The document also outlines estimated financial resource requirements for accomplishing these objectives.


Communication aspects of this initiative include public information and social mobilisation. A part of the public information campaign to elevate awareness of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is needed in polio endemic countries and those with weak surveillance, while the remainder is needed in donor countries. Social mobilisation in endemic countries will address rebuilding public confidence, in some locations undermined by rumours. As stated in the document, strategies that are key to mobilisation success include:

• the appropriate selection and training of vaccinators;
• the inclusion of women and underserved groups at all levels;
• the need for strong interpersonal communication skills at the service delivery level; and
• the development of appropriate Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) messages and materials.

The technical capacity at the global, regional, national, and subnational levels will require additional inputs and leadership to enhance support to government efforts. The inter-agency mechanisms for coordinating communications and social mobilisation inputs (e.g. the Advisory Group on Communication for Immunisation and Polio Eradication, the Advisory Group on Communication for Immunisation (Africa), and National Social Mobilisation Committees) will continue. New materials will be developed and widely disseminated to support this work.