Page 3 - WHO

Preface:
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2018 was another successful year for Polio eradica�on ini�a�ve and program in Sudan,
with the country has been polio free since March 2009. Reflec�ng back over the past year,
we witnessed significant progress in our efforts that make us more op�mis�c than ever
before, despite the challenges we are facing now.

The polio program in considered as a pla�orm for suppor�ng immuniza�on and other
public health ac�vi�es in Sudan. The close coordina�on between PEI, rou�ne immuniza-
�on, communicable disease control and health emergencies brought frui�ul outcomes.

The current annual technical report for the year 2018 is covering progress and challenges

of essen�al components of the program. We together established environmental surveil-
lance system, enhanced community based surveillance to high risk popula�on, improved
quality of reverse cold chain with Log tag project, and followed recommenda�ons of inter-
na�onal surveillance review 2017 as well as internal surveillance review 2018.

Despite shortage of cash and fuel in the country, Sudan implemented two rounds of SNIDs
in July and November 2018, Total 98% of the target children received bOPV vaccine during

theses round.

I would like to appreciate and recognize the efforts of handers of people who are at the
frontline or management level. We reiterate our commitment to sustain polio free status
of the country and re-double our efforts for further integra�on between PEI and EPI
programs.

The WHO country office in Sudan is grateful for the support of the interna�onal communi-
ty in these efforts. We recognize our role in this global effort and working together with
our partners I am confident that we will have be�er outcomes in 2019.

Sincerely

Dr Naeema Al Gasseer

WHO Representa�ve of Sudan and

Head of the Mission