The Egyptian Ministry of Health has commenced the 2015 National Polio Immunization Campaign, aiming to administer the first of two vaccination phases to approximately 14.8 million children under five years old. The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is assisting with the logistics and operations of this campaign, supporting Egypt in maintaining its polio-free status.
"The American people rejoiced with the Egyptian people in 2006 when Egypt was declared polio-free," stated Sherry F. Carlin, USAID/Egypt Mission Director. "USAID and the Ministry of Health are committed to keeping Egypt polio-free through this annual immunization campaign."
The oral polio vaccine requires two doses to effectively protect young children from infection by this debilitating disease. The last recorded case of polio in Egypt occurred in May 2004, and since being declared a polio-free nation in 2006, no new cases have been reported within its borders. However, globally there has been an increase in cases recently, with 75 percent emerging from the eastern Mediterranean region. To address these concerns, the Ministry of Health will conduct two rounds of vaccinations nationwide this year: one in April and another in October.
For over four decades, USAID has collaborated with Egyptians on various initiatives that have significantly improved many lives across the country. In addition to eradicating polio, efforts funded by Americans have contributed to reducing infant mortality by 80 percent; created employment opportunities for more than 40,000 individuals over recent years; and enhanced infrastructure projects providing essential services like water supply, electricity access as well as telecommunication facilities throughout most parts across Egypt — all part of nearly $30 billion invested since 1975.