Malawi and Mozambique Declare End to Polio Outbreak

Health authorities in Malawi and Mozambique have officially closed the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) outbreak that began in February 2022, marking a significant milestone in the fight against polio in the African region. The decision came on May 14, 2024, following thorough assessments by an independent panel (Polio Outbreak Response Assessment Team).

Why this matters: The successful containment of this polio outbreak demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated international efforts in combating infectious diseases, and it brings the world closer to achieving the goal of polio eradication. This achievement also underscores the importance of continued investment in global health infrastructure and vaccination programs to protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.

The last reported case of WPV1 in the African region was in August 2022 in Mozambique's Tete Province. A total of nine cases were detected in Mozambique and neighboring Malawi during the outbreak. As part of a coordinated response, over 50 million children in five southern African countries were vaccinated against the virus, with more than 100 million vaccine doses administered in the most at-risk areas.

The OBRA team conducted two in-depth field assessments and an additional review of data before concluding that there was no evidence of ongoing transmission of the wild poliovirus. "This success is a testament to what we can achieve when we work with dedication and determination," said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization (WHO).

The response to the outbreak included a micro-planning approach, involving the mapping of transboundary communities, migration routes, and border crossing points to ensure all children were vaccinated. Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, commended the efforts of vaccination teams, stating, "I salute the considerable efforts made by the vaccination teams who work on the front lines to reach every child, wherever they are."

The outbreak was genetically linked to a circulating strain from Pakistan. Since 1988, the incidence of wild poliovirus has been reduced by more than 99% globally, from over 350,000 annual cases in more than 125 endemic countries to just four cases in 2024 from two endemic countries (Pakistan and Afghanistan). In 2023, only 12 cases of WPV1 were detected worldwide.

Dr. Chris Elias, President of Global Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaboration in ending polio outbreaks: "It is possible to end polio epidemics when national governments, local health workers, community mobilizers, and global partners unite to give priority to a rapid and timely response to protect children from this devastating disease." The declaration of the end of the outbreak in Malawi and Mozambique is a testament to the determination and collaboration of governments, health professionals, communities, and partners in the fight against polio.

Key Takeaways

• Malawi and Mozambique declare end of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) outbreak.
• 9 cases detected in Mozambique and Malawi; 50 million children vaccinated.
• Over 100 million vaccine doses administered in at-risk areas.
• Global wild poliovirus cases reduced by 99% since 1988.
• Collaboration key to ending polio outbreaks, says Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.