India to oversee polio surveillance from WHO starting April

India is preparing to take over the surveillance of polio from the World Health Organization (WHO) after nearly 30 years. The responsibility will shift to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) starting April 1, 2025. The decision to end the collaboration with WHO was confirmed by two sources familiar with the matter. The National Polio Surveillance Programme (NPSP) has been operated by WHO since its inception in 1997, helping India achieve its polio-free status in 2014. The government now believes it has the necessary infrastructure and skills to manage the surveillance independently. The transition is expected to take place over two years. The finance ministry has instructed the health ministry to create an independent system for disease surveillance. Officials argue that India’s success during the COVID-19 pandemic shows its capacity to handle such responsibilities. Despite the transition, there are concerns. Countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan still report wild polio cases, which pose risks for India due to its shared borders. Surveillance will continue to be crucial as polio indicators in some Indian districts fall below international standards. The NCDC will develop a plan to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. Polio surveillance has historically included monitoring for measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Health experts emphasize the need for careful planning to avoid any public health risks during the transition. They call for proper training and support for Indian agencies to maintain high-quality surveillance and prevent future outbreaks. Each year, India vaccinates about 170 million children against polio. The government aims to strengthen its disease surveillance system and ensure that all states are coordinated and prepared as the transition unfolds.