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Investment in disease surveillance in areas of conflict can prevent new outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases

The development and successful implementation of a coordinated, multi-country plan in response to a wild polio outbreak in Syria and Iraq halted the outbreak within 6 months. The response, which involved strengthening acute flaccid paralysis surveillance and more than 70 synchronized mass polio vaccination campaigns in 8 Middle Eastern countries (reaching >27 million children), could serve as a model for responding to disease outbreaks in areas affected by conflict and political instability.

Full Citation:
Mbaeyi C, Ryan MJ, Smith P et al.. 2017. Response to a large polio outbreak in a setting of conflict- Middle East, 2013-2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 66(8).

Title of Article: Response to a large polio outbreak in a setting of conflict- Middle East, 2013-2015

Author(s): Mbaeyi C, Ryan MJ, Smith P et al.

Publication Year: 2017

Publication Name: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Publication Volume: 66(8)

Publication Source URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28253229/

DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.15585/mmwr.mm6608a6