How Technology, Funding, and Campaigns Impact Polio and Measles Eradication

Abstract

Factors That Determine the Success of the Polio and Measles Global Eradication Initiatives [University] City and state Date Introduction Disease eradication is the ultimate goal of a healthcare system. Disease eradication is achievable through timely vaccination. However, several factors hinder global control and eradication of diseases. This thesis paper expounds more on how technology, financial funding, supply chain issues, and mass campaigns impact polio and measles global vaccine eradication efforts. Global Vaccine Deployment The Polio Eradication Initiative was first launched in 1988 to clear the polioviruses within 12 years. This initiative managed to decrease Polio incidences by 99 per cent. However, González-Silva and Rabinovich (2021) say this objective has not been achieved since two countries reported the wild poliovirus in 2019. Countries such as Pakistan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan are still affected by Poliomyelitis, increasing the risk of spreading internationally. The recent increase in polio cases calls for a reassessment of the polio eradication strategies (Lima et al., 2021). The measles eradication project, which dates back to 1960, also failed, as Moss and Griffin (2006) discussed. The authors agree that measles still causes the death of many children, especially in developing countries. Moss and Griffin also say that the measles virus caused the death of approximately 454000 people in 2004. The use of technology helps in vaccine deployment. For instance, polio vaccine workers rely on GPS in location tracking, which allows them to arrive in the locations most affected by the virus. The use of technology helps in strengthening surveillance. Further, the polio management team can identify immunity gaps through technology. Banerjee et al. (2000) agree that technology has greatly aided global poliomyelitis eradication. India used acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) to maintain surveillance of the poliomyelitis virus. The authors also say that technology help in the attainment of the basic strategies such as high routine coverage for countries that are greatly affected by the poliomyelitis virus. Michael et al. (2017) also agree that technology experience helps in measles surveillance and helps in routine vaccination coverage. Michael et al. also say that the measles vaccination team can conduct an intensive investigation on areas highly affected by the virus and respond accordingly. Therefore, even though polio and measles are on the rise, technology has greatly aided in the distribution of global vaccines. Lewis et al. (2020) research the importance of using a program design such as campaigns in the social mobilization of polio eradication. The authors agree that local vaccination campaigns positively impact poliovirus eradication in the study. The author also says that mass immunization campaigns aided in achieving high-level polio immunization coverage. Cutts et al.'s (2021) analysis of the vaccination strategies for measles elimination and control revealed that the vaccination campaigns caused a rapid decrease in measles victims. The author concurs that campaigns encourage people to get vaccinations. Vaccination campaigns also promote the other areas to adopt the disease-free regions' immunization strategies. Therefore, vaccination campaigns play an important role in polio and measles eradication projects. Polio eradication initiatives' funding sources include the national and local government, donors, NGOs and the private sector. Van den Ent et al. (2017) conducts a study on how financial contributions impact the global polio eradication initiative. Van den Ent et al.'s analysis revealed that funds were used in strengthening the immunization programs. Batson et al. (2021) concur that ample funding helps in polio eradication projects. Great financing of the polio eradication projects supports polio vaccine production. The authors also agree that investment in polio vaccine production ensures an adequate and timely supply of the polio vaccine. The supply chain of vaccines refers to the bodies that monitor vaccines' purchase, delivery, and transparency. Deressa et al....