Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)

Olakunle Alonge, MD, MPH, PhD Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, USA

The lecturer states:

“The question is, why was the goal for polio to eradicate and not control? It’s a debate that we keep having, even as of today, because many with hindsight, given the protractedness of trying to actually win the eradication goal, have really looked back and wondered whether eradication was indeed the right call as far back as in 1988.”

Reflect on this and consider:

• Should the goal for polio have been to eradicate or control?
• Should we consider eradication for other disease programs today, or only strive for control?

Post your thoughts in the discussion forum.