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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced earlier this month that polio may be completely eradicated by the end of 2018. Worldwide rates of new polio cases have been steadily declining, especially in places like India where large-scale efforts were put in place to eliminate the disease. In January 2013, health officials announced that India had not had a new case of polio for over two years. By comparison, in 1988 India had reported over 350,000 cases of polio. Citing the immense efforts put forth by aid organizations, governmental groups, volunteers and hundreds of direct care providers to bring these results to fruition, officials say that these coordinated events can be applied to stopping the spread elsewhere. Currently Chad, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan are still reporting active cases of polio.
Vaccines can be highly effective against the spread of contagious diseases. However, since Edward Jenner’s first vaccine in 1796, the only human illness that has been completely eradicated by vaccination is smallpox. The World Health Organization announced that smallpox had been completely eradicated on May 8, 1980 and hopes that by the end of 2018 they can make a similar announcement for polio.
CDC leaders believe that this goal is completely attainable with the current increased funding through a number of organizations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In addition, the goal has inspired intensive participation by increased numbers of healthcare workers across the world. For health professionals looking to take a direct part in this historical moment in time, the CDC is still looking for volunteers to assist in the efforts.
Through their “Stop the Transmission of Polio” program (STOP), skilled health professionals can volunteer for training to work in remote locations where the administration of polio vaccines and disease monitoring are needed most. Travel and per diem payment for food and lodging is included along with training. For allied health professionals seeking international experience and a chance to have a direct hand in eradicating polio forever, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. While the locations can be remote and outside communication may be difficult at times, the experience of taking part in the eradication of a disease that has crippled over 20 million people in modern times is a strong incentive for the thousands of people who have volunteered their time since the world-wide program began in 1988.
In addition to the doctors and nurses who work with the STOP program, the CDC seeks direct field workers, data management volunteers and professionals to handle program communications. A wide variety of skills are needed to address the STOP program needs throughout the countries that still need to mitigate the spread of polio. Medical and non-medical personnel with a wide range of talents are needed to bring about the 2018 goal. For more information about participating in this worthwhile cause, see: http://www.cdc.gov/polio/stop. For more information about pursuing an important career in an allied health field get matched with a compatible program for you.
References:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dm79sp.html
http://www.cdc.gov/polio/updates/
http://www.who.int/csr/don/archive/disease/poliomyelitis/en
http://www.polioeradication.org/Portals/0/Document/InfectedCountries/India/PolioIndiaFactSheet.pdf
