Program on immunization: Analysis of the five year strategic plan for the eradication of poliomyelitis in Adamawa State, Nigeria

In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to globally eradicate polio by 2000. The estimated annual new cases of polio have declined from 350,000 in 1988 to 1,919 in 2002, representing a 99% reduction. The number of polio endemic countries has decreased from 125 in 1988 to 10 in 2002, but 7 countries are still considered to have endemic transmission of wild poliovirus by the end of 2002 (CDC, 2003). Therefore, the goal to globally eradicate polio was extended to 2010 for these countries. Nigeria is one of the poliovirus reservoirs and poses serious concern for world polio eradication; therefore, major improvements in immunization strategies are needed for polio eradication in Nigeria. This study utilized process evaluation to analyze the five-year strategic plans (2000--2005) for polio eradication in Adamawa State, Nigeria. These plans included the quality of routine, supplemental Immunization (0--5 years), surveillance system, data management, and partner Coordination.