• Mary B Nanteza, Phionah Tushabe, Henry Bukenya, Prossy Namuwulya, Theopista Kabaliisa, Molly Birungi, Mayi Tibanagwa, Immaculate Ampeire, Proscovia Kakooza, Edson Katushabe, Josephine Bwogi, Barnabas Bakamutumaho, Miriam Nanyunja, and Charles R Byabamazima.
• Uganda Virus Research Institute, Plot 51-59 Nakiwogo Road, P. O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
• Afr Health Sci. 2023 Sep 1; 23 (3): 186196186-196.

BackgroundThe control of poliomyelitis in Uganda dates back as far as 1950 and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance has since been used as a criterion for identifying wild polioviruses. Poliovirus isolation was initially pursued through collaborative research however, in 1993, the Expanded Program on Immunization Laboratory (EPI-LAB) was established as a member of the Global Poliovirus Laboratory Network (GPLN) and spearheaded this activity at Uganda Virus Research Institute.ObjectivesThe aim of this report is to document the progress and impact of the EPI-LAB on poliovirus eradication in Uganda.MethodsPoliovirus detection and identification were achieved fundamentally through tissue culture and intra-typic differentiation of the poliovirus based on the real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT PCR). The data obtained was entered into the national AFP database and analysed using EpiInfoTM statistical software.ResultsQuantitative and qualitative detection of wild and Sabin polioviruses corresponded with the polio campaigns. The WHO target indicators for AFP surveillance were achieved essentially throughout the study period.ConclusionVirological tracking coupled with attaining standard AFP surveillance indicators has been pivotal in achieving and maintaining the national wild polio-free status. Laboratory surveillance remains key in informing the certification process of polio eradication.© 2023 Nanteza MB et al.

15 keywords...

hide…