Insecurity, Weak Health Systems and Poliomyelitis Eradication

Authors

  • Nazia Sohani McMaster University

Abstract

This paper will explore how global efforts of polio eradication are defeated in fragile and conflict affected areas with weak health systems, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan. In addition the paper will investigate how conflict and political instability leads to resurfacing of poliomyelitis in countries where it was previously eliminate such as, Syria. Ultimately, this paper aims to answer the question what are the characteristics that strong healthcare systems entail in order to eradicate infectious diseases such as poliomyelitis. In addition, the paper aims to explore how weak health systems and conflict hinder the global poliomyelitis eradication efforts. A review of existing literature on healthcare systems, as well as media articles will be analyzed to gather data. Implications of failed poliomyelitis eradication initiatives on non-governmental organizations as well as on the global world are also included in this paper.

Author Biography

Nazia Sohani, McMaster University

Department of Global Health, Faculty of Health Sciences

Global Health MSc Student

References

1. Mayo Clinic. Definition [Internet]. 2014. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polio/basics/definition/con-20030957

2. World Health Organization. Poliomyelitis [Internet]. 2015. Available from: http://www.who.int/biologicals/areas/vaccines/poliomyelitis/en/

3. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. What is polio? [Internet]. 2014. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/polio/about/index.htm

4. Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Polio and prevention [Internet]. 2010. Available from: http://www.polioeradication.org/Polioandprevention.aspx

5. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Updates on CDC’s polio eradication efforts [Internet]. 2015. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/polio/updates/

6. Gostin LO. Global polio eradication: Espionage, disinformation, and the politics of vaccination. Milbank Quarterly, 2014; 92(3):413.

7. Moturi EK, Porter KA, Wassilak SGF, Tangermann, RH, Diop OM, Burns C, et al. Progress toward polio eradication — worldwide, 2013–2014 (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report No. 468-472). Atlanta: CDC. 2014.

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2015)

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Published

2015-12-30

How to Cite

Sohani, N. (2015). Insecurity, Weak Health Systems and Poliomyelitis Eradication. Global Health: Annual Review, 1(1). Retrieved from https://journals.mcmaster.ca/ghar/article/view/1069

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2015): Global Health: Annual Review, Issue 1

Section

Research Topics

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