Which of the following statements about the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is correct?

Explanation

## Global Polio Eradication Initiative — Launch and Timeline **Key Point:** The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched in **1988** by the World Health Assembly, with an original target to eradicate polio **by the year 2000**. ### Why Option C is Correct GPEI was formally launched in 1988 following World Health Assembly Resolution 41.28. The initial target was global eradication by 2000. Although this target was not met, the initiative has achieved remarkable milestones since then. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect | Option | Statement | Error | |--------|-----------|-------| | A | GPEI uses only IPV for mass campaigns | **Wrong** — GPEI uses OPV for Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) and outbreak response; IPV is used in routine immunization | | B | WPV2 declared eradicated in 1993 | **Wrong** — WPV2 was declared eradicated in **1999** (last case in 1999 in India); the last WPV2 case in India was in 1999, and global eradication was certified in 1999 | | D | GPEI funded exclusively by WHO | **Wrong** — GPEI is a public-private partnership funded by WHO, UNICEF, CDC (USA), Rotary International, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and national governments | ### GPEI Key Milestones | Milestone | Year | |-----------|------| | GPEI launched | **1988** (target: eradication by 2000) | | WPV2 last case | 1999 (India) | | WPV3 eradicated | 2012 (certified) | | India certified polio-free | 2014 | | WPV1 endemic countries (2024) | Afghanistan, Pakistan | **High-Yield:** The GPEI launch year (1988) and original target year (2000) are classic direct-recall facts tested in PSM exams. The initiative is a public-private partnership — NOT exclusively WHO-funded. **Clinical Pearl:** OPV is preferred for SIAs and outbreak response because it induces intestinal (mucosal) immunity and provides herd protection through secondary spread; IPV is used for routine immunization in polio-free regions. **Mnemonic:** **GPEI Partners = WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary, Gates** (W-U-C-R-G) *Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th edition; WHO GPEI official documentation.*