Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system, and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. Oral polio vaccine is only effective way of preventing the decease.

Uzbekistan held four stages of National Immunization Campaign in 2010 to decrease risk of polio spread in the country. The campaigns covered children at the age from 0 to 15. In Surkhandarya region, which borders with Tajikistan, the vaccination covered people up to the age of 25.

This year’s campaign is directed at keeping existing stable epidemiologic situation on polio in Uzbekistan and increasing immunity of children at the age up to 5.

National Days of Immunization against Polio will be held at the support of the World Health Organization, UNICEF and other partners of Global Initiative on Polio Liquidation. In particular, Uzbekistan purchased 7.164 million doses of vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline and control markers. The WHO guarantees safety of vaccines with its special certificate.

The WHO rendered technical assistance to the Ministry of Healthcare in planning of campaign in all levels and helped to train specialists on vaccination. UNICEF assisted in preparation of information and communication materials.

Currently, over 10,000 vaccination points and 8,600 mobile vaccination teams were created in all regions of Uzbekistan.

Parents should bring their children at the age up to 5 to one of points and receive vaccine against polio, which will strengthen immunity of children against this disease. Children, who received vaccines in early stages, should be vaccinated again.