Maintaining Polio-Free Status in Indonesia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Main Authors: Azizatunnisa, Luthfi, Cintyamena, Utsamani, Bura, Vinod, Surya, Asik, Wibisono, Hariadi, Ahmad, Riris Andono, Mahendradhata, Yodi
• Format: Article PeerReviewed
• Language: English
• Published: Johns Hopkins University Press 2022
• Subjects: Infectious Diseases; Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety
• Online Access: https://repository.ugm.ac.id/283855/1/e2100310.full.pdf; https://repository.ugm.ac.id/283855/; https://www.scopus.com/
• Institution: Universitas Gadjah Mada

Indonesia’s polio-free status as well as the 2023 global polio eradication target have been threa- tened by disruptions to immunization services caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and related restrictions. n Fear of contracting COVID-19, human resource diversion, and travel restrictions posed barriers to delivering polio immunization services during the pandemic. n To resume polio vaccination efforts and maintain polio-free status, Indonesia health authorities need to take action to: 8 Maximize vaccine service reach by mapping children who have not been vaccinated and monitor the vaccine supply chain 8 Integrate vaccine delivery with pandemic response efforts 8 Mobilize communities for advocacy and education 8 Adjust programs to address human resource, physical, and financial resource gaps 8 Strengthen monitoring and evaluation and surveillance efforts