Regarding Polio Eradication in India (certified wild poliovirus-free since January 2014), which surveillance indicator is used to assess the quality of AFP surveillance?
- A Proportion of AFP cases with 2 stool samples collected within 14 days of onset of paralysis
- B Annual incidence of non-polio AFP per 100,000 children under 15 years ≥ 2 ✓
- C Number of OPV doses administered per child under 5 years
- D Proportion of households with functioning sanitation facilities
Correct answer: B. Annual incidence of non-polio AFP per 100,000 children under 15 years ≥ 2
Explanation
WHO's benchmark for adequate AFP surveillance quality is a non-polio AFP (NPAFP) rate of ≥ 2 per 100,000 children under 15 years per year. This indicator confirms that the surveillance system is sensitive enough to detect wild poliovirus if present — if real AFP cases from other causes are being detected at this rate, paralytic polio would also be detected. The stool specimen adequacy rate (≥80% having 2 specimens collected ≥24 hours apart within 14 days of paralysis onset) is a complementary indicator.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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