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Indian Pediatrics 1999;36: 960 |
Book Review |
Global Polio Eradication: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, 1st edn. Authors: Naveen Thacker and Niranjan Shendurnikar; Publishers: Rotarian P.P. Naveen V. Palan, Polio plus Chairman, Rotary Club of Gandhidham, 1999 PP 56; Price: For free distribution. The book is meant for Rotarians, pediatricians and others involved in polio eradication programme. It is a good compilation of literature on polio eradication. The first chapter covers yearwise objectives of global polio eradication alongwith very brief description of strategies for polio eradication. Situation in different regions of the world has been detailed in three chapters under sub-headings such as routine immunization, national immunization days; (NID), AFP surveillance, mopping-up immunization, impact on incidence, certification and concerns. Chapter two reviews the efforts carried out and current situation in American region where transmission of wild polio virus has already been interrupted. However, change in strategy such as not holding NIDs anymore and mainstay being surveillance and routine immunization and dealing with immigrants from endemic countries have not been described. Chapter three details situation in Western Pacific region where considerable progress has been made and no case of poliomyelitis due to wild polio virus has been reported in 1998. Country specific detail of China and polio eradication operations in difficult areas provide useful experiences for India. Chapter four entitled `The remaining battles' covers three regions, i.e., South-East Asian, African and Mediterranean region. Detailed description about India with regard to NIDs, impact, AFP surveillance and laboratory results will be of interest to all readers. Description about other countries of South-East Asia is repetitive and could have been avoided. Occurance of poliomyelitis outbreaks in some countries of Eastern Mediterranean region after successful control provides experiences that will help anticipate problems in other places so as to plan effectively to avoid such failures. Subsequent chapters summarize global situation with regard to polio eradication and also provide details of surveillance criteria for global certification of polio eradication. Last chapter on benefits of polio eradication will help in motivating policy makers and planners to continue allocation fo resources necessary for polio eradication activities. Although this book is a good attempt at providing global details in a single volume, it does not provide information on the countries that are free of polio without observing NIDs. Also stage at which mop-up immunization and outbreak response immunization is to be started, is not described clearly. The data has been presented mostly in tabular form. It would have been more attractive and motivating particularly to Rotarians if graphics were preferred. Lastly it would have been useful to cite references instead of giving bibliography. D.K. Taneja, |
