Thread by @epigiri

Polio anywhere could be a threat to countries that had eradicated it. It took decades to eradicate polio in most parts while some are yet to eradicate. Not just this necessity, it was possible mostly due to a collaborative approach & strong leadership at the global level.
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Lessons from Polio Eradiation, Cochi S et al
-Strong political & social support in each country
-Strategic planning & policy development
-Partnership management & donor coordination
-Program operations & tactics
-Oversight and independent monitoring.

polioeradication.org/wp-content/upl…

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If there was high polio circulation in one region, other countries could prevent the possibilities of its import by vaccinating the children in their countreis. Therefore, all countries are continuing polio vaccination till other regions accomplish eradication.

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High circulation of #COVID19 anywhere is a serious threat to every country. Yet, there is no collaborative approach & strong leadership at the global level. Most developed nations are following a similar approach of polio eradication; vaccinating their citizens. It won't work
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Genesis of the newer variants of concern is from the areas of high transmission. Countries with high coverage will have to keep updating vaccines based on each newer variant and have an illusory protection cover to their citizens and yet fear newer variants. A vicious cycle
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There is a way out. Follow the lessons from polio eradication of global collaborative effort with two objectives.

- Ensure every country vaccinates every eligible person
- Lower the transmission levels in every part of the country to minimize the chances of newer VoCs

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Despite the repeated calls by @DrTedros & leaders at @WHO, many developed countries are yet to make a transformational positional change from conservative, illusory, self-preserving pseudo covers towards meaningful, comprehensive vaccine coverage and surveillance programs.

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This is not an option, this is the inevitable necessity. The sooner the world realizes this, the higher is the success of breaking the vicious cycle of high transmission and associated fatalities. Self-preservation can precede compassion elsewhere, not against #COVID19.
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I had written earlier that isolated efforts of excellence in few countries incl zero covid strategy are illusory goals. The world needs a global program of #covid19 control, integrating priorities of every region to save lives while fighting virus. thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/…
9/N

It is futile to wage battles in each country locally without collaboratively fighting against the virus in every part of the world.

How long can we continue wage such battles?
-Until we get tired of the illusory targets at the terrible costs of losing many human lives.

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