Polio Pipeline

Polio Pipeline is a quarterly update of ongoing research in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). First published in Summer 2008, the newsletter's purpose is to keep partners and the scientific community informed about what is happening in the increasingly complex research pipeline for the GPEI. It is being coordinated by the Research and Product Development team of the Polio Eradication Department at the World Health Organization (WHO).

Many of the articles featured in Polio Pipeline are communication-related. For example, one piece in the Winter 2011 issue explores how the GPEI is actively evaluating ways to utilise mobile phone technology to collect and analyse data on immunisation activities so as to assess quality of polio campaigns in key areas. In this same issue of the newsletter, another article explores the role of research to eradicate polio in Nigeria. Here is an excerpt: "Innovative social mobilization and communications efforts included a 're-search' into and a review of existing and traditional social mobilization and communication practices and their modification and re-application. This has contributed to correcting misconceptions about polio vaccines and led to renewed interest and acceptance of the vaccines. One such intervention is the 'majigi'...a public awareness programme employing the use of open air cinemas in public places; in the past, it has been an effective and popular method of educating and informing citizens on government programmes and planned activities....With the traditional leaders in attendance, at the 'majigi' shows, communities have become better informed, not only on polio eradication, but also on other health and community development issues. The direct involvement of traditional leaders in vaccination exercises and their engagement in mobilizing their networks has resulted in a more effective participation by the people at every level of vaccination activities and other health issues. Issues concerned with patterns of non-compliance and gender specific communication interventions require further detailed studies."

For more information, contact:

Global Polio Eradication Initiative

World Health Organization

Avenue Appia 20 1211

Geneva 27

Switzerland

Fax: 41 22 791 1571

Please see the URL below to find issues online. To subscribe, send an email to polioresearch@who.int