Doc. 8035

10 March 1998

Access to health services and eradication of poliomyelitis amongst vulnerable communities

Motion for a resolution

Presented by Mr Christodoulides and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       In its Recommendation 1317 (1997) on vaccination in Europe, the Assembly noted that the immunisation level of the European population, in central and eastern Europe as well as in western Europe, was insufficient, and that, consequently, major epidemics were to be feared.

2.       In Europe, very few cases of poliomyelitis are still being officially reported. WHO estimates that the real number of cases is probably higher than registered and that cases are occurring mainly among marginalized groups. To succeed in eradicating polio, governments and civil societies have to unite and concentrate their efforts against this disease on specific groups that have very limited access to health and social services. Children from minorities, populations living in war conflict zones or civil unrest and migrant populations suffer particularly from this situation.

3.       In western Europe, last reported cases occurred amongst the migrant population, and especially amongst the Roma. Considering the migratory movements of that population all over Europe and the subsequent danger of contamination, there is a high risk of children being the victims of a disease that could be so easily prevented.

4.       The enlargement of vaccination coverage to the most vulnerable communities, such as migrants and minorities (for example, the Roma population), is a prerequisite to prevent the reappearance of polio and other preventable diseases in an already highly covered population.

5.       To eradicate this disease, it is fundamental not only to question limited access to health and social services, but also to join efforts fully with the migrant population and their leaders, as co-partners in the planning and implementation of any vaccination campaign.

6.       A broad action to immunise against polio sub-vaccinated or non-vaccinated children without delay is vital. It should be conducted in 1998, targeting children under 5 years of age in high-risk groups that "traditionally" have the lowest level of immunisation coverage.

7.       The Assembly should fully support the WHO and UNICEF, and their respective partners, in their efforts to face this challenge. Especially, it should support any immunisation campaign which could involve Roms themselves.

8.       In co-ordination with these organisations, the Assembly recommends that member states hold a European Conference, with full participation of beneficiaries, to define recommendations in order to improve the access to social and health services and, ultimately, to strengthen the struggle against polio.

Signed : ¹

Christodoulides, Cyprus, UEL

Barath, Hungary, SOC

Busic, Croatia, EPP/CD

Dundee, United Kingdom, EDG

Flynn, United Kingdom, SOC

Gibula, Poland, SOC

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Lucyga, Germany, SOC

Naysmith, United Kingdom, SOC

Nestor, Estonia, SOC

Poptodorova, Bulgaria, SOC

Raskinis, Lithuania, EPP/CD

Sincai, Romania, SOC

Weyts, Belgique, EPP/CD

Wojcik, Poland, EPP/CD

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      PPE/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      GDE: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group