Risk of polio outbreak in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Low vaccination rate remains a problem

(Patria) - The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Annual Report for 2023 on the state and activities in the fight against poliomyelitis, a dangerous viral disease that can cause permanent paralysis. Poliovirus has been almost eradicated in many parts of the world, but it has recently posed a threat, especially in countries with low immunization rates.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite efforts, vaccination coverage against poliomyelitis remains below the optimal level, leading to the country being considered high-risk.

The European Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC) has expressed concern over the fact that as many as 64% of the population lives in areas where the coverage of the third dose of polio vaccine (POL3) is below 80%, which increases the risk of disease resurgence.

During 2023, health institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina worked intensively on monitoring and reporting suspected cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), which is a key indicator for detecting poliomyelitis. Although all reported cases were ruled out as polio, as confirmed by the analysis of medical documentation, the situation still requires increased vigilance and efforts to strengthen immunization programs.

Given the high risk, the European Regional Commission called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to take urgent measures to ensure better control and prevention. In response to this recommendation, contact persons have been appointed for Republika Srpska, the Federation of BiH, and Brčko District, who will be responsible for monitoring and implementing measures to curb the spread of the virus.

The Report, which the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina considered and accepted, confirmed that all data and reports for 2023 have been submitted to the World Health Organization, in accordance with international standards, with the aim of preserving public health and preventing the re-emergence of poliomyelitis in the country.