'Challenge remains' to eradicate polio in conflict zones

Health experts say challenges remain in eradicating polio in international conflict zones, despite impressive gains seen in parts of Africa.

20141125001066052141-original.jpg

A policeman escorts a Pakistani health worker as she administers Polio vaccine to children in Pakistan.

Health experts say challenges remain in eradicating polio in international conflict zones, despite impressive gains seen in parts of Africa.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a report saying no cases of wild poliovirus have been recorded on the continent since August.

It credits successful vaccination efforts in Nigeria for the result.

The only other two countries where polio is still endemic are Afghanistan and Pakistan, although cases are present elsewhere.

Professor Michael Toole is the Deputy Director of Australia's largest virology and communicable disease research centre - the Burnet Institute.

He is speaking with Brianna Roberts.

(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full interview)

 


Share
1 min read

Published

Updated



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world