With the support of several worldwide health leaders, Ethiopia recently introduced the new Inactivated Polio Virus (IPV) vaccine to protect people from poliomyelitis.
There are 130 other countries that have already introduced the vaccine. This is the biggest worldwide coordinated vaccine launch that has ever taken place. It is only possible with the partnership of the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
“Ethiopia has been effectively polio-free for two years. This can be attributed to the unwavering political commitment, robust primary health care platform and strong regional and international partnerships,”
Ethiopian State Minister of Health
Kebede Worku said. “Today’s introduction of IPV signifies a surging momentum for a lasting polio-free Ethiopia. We should strengthen our health and community systems so that no child will be left unvaccinated. I have a firm belief that we can relegate polio to the footnote of the history of vaccine-preventable diseases.”
The goal is to eliminate the polio virus and improve national childhood immunity.
“Polio remains a threat as long as there are cases anywhere in the world,” GAVI Chief Executive Officer Seth Berkley said. “By supporting IPV and helping countries strengthen their routine immunisation systems, GAVI is contributing to the tremendous partnership that aims to rid the world of this disease once and for all.”
