The Final Frontier: India's Resilient Battle to Eradicate Polio's Last Vestiges

India stands as a beacon of triumph in the global fight against polio, having achieved a remarkable feat of remaining polio-free for over a decade. This extraordinary journey, marked by tireless dedication and innovative public health strategies, was the central theme of a compelling webinar organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) T.

Nagar Branch and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) Chennai City Branch. The event, held in collaboration with the Public Health Department of the Greater Chennai Corporation, brought together leading experts to discuss 'The Last Mile in the War Against Polio,' underscoring the ongoing vigilance required to maintain this critical health victory.

The webinar commenced with an insightful overview by Dr.

S. Balasundaram, president of the IMA T. Nagar Branch, who applauded India's monumental achievement in eradicating wild poliovirus. His remarks set a celebratory yet cautionary tone, emphasizing that while the battle against indigenous polio has been won, the war is far from over. The global context, particularly the continued circulation of poliovirus in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, presents an ever-present threat, necessitating continuous surveillance and robust immunization campaigns within India.

Dr.

Abdul Rahman, secretary of the IMA T. Nagar Branch, further elaborated on the intricacies of the polio eradication program. He highlighted the critical role of systematic immunization drives, a cornerstone of India's success. These campaigns, reaching millions of children even in the most remote areas, exemplify the logistical prowess and community engagement that underpinned the eradication efforts.

Dr. Rahman also touched upon the persistent challenge of vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPV), particularly type 2, which emerge in under-immunized populations where the oral polio vaccine (OPV) virus can circulate and mutate. This nuanced threat demands sustained vigilance and a strategic shift towards inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in certain contexts to mitigate risks.

The webinar featured Dr.

Karthik Anjaneyulu, secretary of the IAP Chennai City Branch, who delved into the specifics of surveillance and response mechanisms. He elucidated how the public health system meticulously monitors acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases—any sudden weakness in a child's limbs—as a key indicator for potential poliovirus circulation.

Rapid investigation, sample collection, and laboratory testing are paramount to quickly identify and contain any suspected cases, preventing wider outbreaks. This proactive approach is a testament to India's commitment to maintaining its polio-free status.

A critical highlight of the discussion was the address by Dr.

M. S. Karthikeyan, secretary of the IAP Tamil Nadu, who emphasized the ongoing need for universal immunization. He stressed that even with a polio-free status, routine immunization coverage must remain high to build and sustain herd immunity. Any lapse in vaccination rates can create vulnerable pockets, making communities susceptible to reintroduction from external sources or the emergence of VDPVs.

His call to action resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the collective responsibility of healthcare providers and the public.

The webinar concluded with a reaffirmation of India's unwavering commitment to the global polio eradication effort. While celebrating past achievements, the focus remained squarely on the future: a future where no child succumbs to this debilitating disease.

The insights shared by the experts underscored that the 'last mile' is arguably the most challenging—a marathon of vigilance, continuous immunization, robust surveillance, and international cooperation. India's journey serves as a powerful reminder that sustained public health initiatives, backed by strong political will and community participation, can conquer even the most formidable health challenges, but only if the guard is never let down.