No polio cases reported this year

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health Sujudi said there were no new cases of polio this year and only four reported last year.

At the launch of the second phase of this year's immunization program in Pandak Bandung village in Bali yesterday, Sujudi said he hoped that disability caused by polio would be further reduced.

"I believe that we won't see any children crippled by polio after the year 2000," he said, according to an Antara report.

The prevalence of polio has dropped dramatically in the last few years, according to Health Ministry data. In 1993, the number of reported cases was seven, with 10 in 1994.

Despite the small number of cases, Sujudi said that the polio virus is very much present in neighborhoods and can attack unvaccinated children.

Children who contract the virus could be crippled for life or even die, he said.

Yesterday's vaccination campaign took place in 275,000 immunization posts across the country and aimed to vaccinate a targeted 21.8 million children under five.

Immunization posts were established in public health centers, hospitals, schools, bus terminals, airports, railway stations and harbors for yesterday's vaccination drive.

One million people were recruited from among Family Welfare Movement members, scouts, teachers and other social organizations to administer the 60 million doses.

The launching ceremony yesterday was attended by Family Welfare Movement chief Mrs. Moch. Yogie S.M.

More than 22 million children under the age of five have already been vaccinated in the campaigns held last month and last year.

Most provinces completed the vaccination program last month within a day rather than the scheduled three days.

This year's anti-polio drive cost Rp 52.5 billion (US$22,3 million), while last year's drive cost Rp 55 billion. (swe)