Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication--Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, January 2002-June 2003.

Since the World Health Assembly resolved in 1988 to eradicate poliomyelitis worldwide, the estimated global incidence of polio has decreased by 99%. Implementation of polio eradication activities in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began in 1996. Angola and DRC are characterized by large geographic areas, dense urban populations, recent civil conflict, and a history of polio outbreaks. This report summarizes progress made toward polio eradication during January 2002-June 2003 and highlights the remaining challenges in Angola and DRC.