The last new case of polio in India was reported three years ago and the country can now be declared polio-free.
‘India’s victory is an important milestone in the global effort to eliminate polio,’ the New York Times said in editorial titled ‘Eradicating Polio Everywhere’.
It said that India’s technical and logistical success can serve as important examples for other nations that are taking steps to root out the disease from their soil.
The viral disease remains a threat globally as the World Health Organisation reported 359 new polio cases as of December last year up from 213 a year ago.
The number of countries where polio is present rose to eight from four between December 2012 and December 2013, with polio spreading out of Nigeria into the Horn of Africa and from Pakistan into the Middle East.
‘Violent conflict and distrust of vaccination programs are to blame,’ the editorial said.
Cases of polio in Pakistan rose to 85 in 2013 from 58 in 2012.
‘India’s victory is an important milestone in the global effort to eliminate polio,’ the New York Times said in editorial titled ‘Eradicating Polio Everywhere’.
It said that India’s technical and logistical success can serve as important examples for other nations that are taking steps to root out the disease from their soil.
The viral disease remains a threat globally as the World Health Organisation reported 359 new polio cases as of December last year up from 213 a year ago.
The number of countries where polio is present rose to eight from four between December 2012 and December 2013, with polio spreading out of Nigeria into the Horn of Africa and from Pakistan into the Middle East.
‘Violent conflict and distrust of vaccination programs are to blame,’ the editorial said.
Cases of polio in Pakistan rose to 85 in 2013 from 58 in 2012.