Global guidance for conducting acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance in the context of poliovirus eradication
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World Health Organization
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ix, 104 p.
Sustained global efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis depend on highly sensitive surveillance systems capable of rapidly detecting poliovirus transmission in diverse settings. This global guidance presents updated, standardized approaches to acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance within the framework of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, reflecting evolving epidemiological challenges and operational needs. It describes the principles, structures and core components of AFP surveillance, including case detection, notification, investigation, laboratory confirmation through the Global Polio Laboratory Network, and final classification, alongside performance indicators to assess system quality and timeliness. The document outlines complementary surveillance strategies—routine, active and community-based—tailored to different contexts, including hard-to-reach and high-risk populations. It also addresses data management, monitoring and evaluation processes, integration with broader vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, and workforce capacity requirements. Emphasis is placed on improving detection speed, strengthening subnational performance, incorporating gender considerations, and enhancing system resilience. Intended for national programmes and global partners, the guidance supports the implementation and sustainability of surveillance systems essential for achieving and maintaining poliovirus eradication.
Sustained global efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis depend on highly sensitive surveillance systems capable of rapidly detecting poliovirus transmission in diverse settings. This global guidance presents updated, standardized approaches to acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance within the framework of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, reflecting evolving epidemiological challenges and operational needs. It describes the principles, structures and core components of AFP surveillance, including case detection, notification, investigation, laboratory confirmation through the Global Polio Laboratory Network, and final classification, alongside performance indicators to assess system quality and timeliness. The document outlines complementary surveillance strategies—routine, active and community-based—tailored to different contexts, including hard-to-reach and high-risk populations. It also addresses data management, monitoring and evaluation processes, integration with broader vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, and workforce capacity requirements. Emphasis is placed on improving detection speed, strengthening subnational performance, incorporating gender considerations, and enhancing system resilience. Intended for national programmes and global partners, the guidance supports the implementation and sustainability of surveillance systems essential for achieving and maintaining poliovirus eradication.
Keywords
Poliovirus, Poliomyelitis, Disease Eradication, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Poliovirus Vaccines, Immunization Programs, Certification, Child, Data Collection, Gender Equity, Guideline, Paralysis, Muscle Hypotonia, Population Surveillance, Communicable Disease Control, Laboratories, Specimen Handling, epidemiology, prevention and control