Banjul, The Gambia – In a landmark event held in The Gambia, a four-day capacity-building workshop on integrated polio surveillance recently concluded, signaling a pivotal moment in the African Region's commitment to eradicating the polio virus. The workshop aimed to equip participants with advanced skills and strategies necessary for the early detection and swift response to polio cases across the continent.

Dr. Ndoutabe Modjirom, Coordinator of WHO-led polio outbreaks Rapid Response Team for the African Region, emphasized the significance of the training in enhancing the capacity of francophone nations. The objective is to detect all polio cases early and implement rapid responses, ultimately contributing to the complete eradication of the polio virus in Africa by 2024. World Health Organization (WHO) representative Dr. Desta Tiruneh lauded the efforts of The Gambia for hosting this crucial event, highlighting the global push toward polio eradication. Dr. Tiruneh underscored the challenges faced, with remaining endemic countries in Asia and vaccine-derived polioviruses circulating on the African continent. The training aimed to strengthen surveillance systems to detect and prevent the introduction of these viruses into any country, fostering a collaborative approach to achieving polio eradication.

During the launch, Dr. Tiruneh urged participants to embrace new skills and surveillance methods, emphasizing their role in eradicating the polio virus entirely. He acknowledged the financial and energy investment required for such extensive training but emphasized its necessity for achieving global health goals. In his speech, Dr. Tiruneh also acknowledged the commitment of The Gambia, the Ministry of Health, and participating countries toward creating a Polio-free world. He stressed the urgency of addressing the remaining endemic countries and the challenges posed by vaccine-derived polioviruses circulating in Africa.

The workshop focused on the new strategies outlined in the Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026, aiming to achieve Wild Poliovirus eradication and halt circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus transmission. With the goal of ending poliovirus transmission in the region by the close of 2024, participants gained insights into innovative strategies and the importance of maintaining a sensitive and efficient polio surveillance system globally. The Gambia, in particular, showcased its commitment to polio eradication, overcoming challenges with the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in 2021. Driven by a youthful population and swift response measures, The Gambia remains dedicated to securing a Polio-free future.

As participants departed with enriched knowledge and skills, the workshop marked a significant step toward achieving a polio-free African continent, reinforcing the collective commitment to global health objectives. The impact of this event resonates beyond borders, fostering a sense of urgency and collaboration to realize the vision of a Polio-free world.