When global and local clash: lessons from the global polio eradication program

Abstract

The polio eradication program is one of the most ambitious health programs the world has embarked on. Since it's launch in 1988, it has seen remarkable successes: large parts of the world are now free of the disease, and the poliovirus is largely confined to a handful of districts in three countries: Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. But these successes are overshadowed by political, social and cultural difficulties (as well as scientific difficulties) in eradicating the poliovirus from these last few pockets. The difficulties that the polio programs faces in completing “the last inch” towards eradication, provide valuable lessons in understanding the wider social, cultural and political environment in which risk communication occurs. This presentation will explore three specific aspects of the wider socio-cultural environment that have a wider relevance to other disease control and health intervention. These are: 1) The gap between global and local perceptions of risk; 2) The gap between global program delivery needs and local cultural and social norms; 3) The clash between religious beliefs and bio-medicine. The presentation will examine these issues and offer suggestions on how to understand and negotiate them.