Bangladesh and Nepal are progressing less rapidly, and data from DPR Korea are lacking. These conditions prevail in Bangladesh and India and facilitate the persistence of polio between NIDs. High-risk areas were identified by the presence of recent polio cases, poor surveillance, low routine vaccination coverage, heavy migration, and crowded living conditions. Although eradication efforts have been extensive, India accounts for half the world's reported polio cases. Within the last year, AFP surveillance has reached the target rate, resulting in a more accurate definition of the pattern and intensity of polio transmission.
Evidence suggests that many endemic reservoirs of wild poliovirus have been eliminated.
It is critical that Bangladesh and Nepal synchronize their campaigns with India. Fewer than 650 days remain to reach the target for global polio eradication. Progress in AFP surveillance and NIDs in the SEAR has led to the apparent elimination of poliovirus in several countries and to substantially reduced circulation in others. References World Health Assembly. Global eradication of poliomyelitis by the year 2000.