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MMWR
Synopsis for November 26, 1999

MMWR articles are not embargoed this week only.

  1. Suicide Prevention Rates Among Active Duty Air Force Personnel — United States, 1990–1999
  2. Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1998–October 1999

MMWR
Synopsis for November 26, 1999

Suicide Prevention Rates Among Active Duty Air Force Personnel — United States, 1990–1999

Suicide prevention programs prove effective among at-risk Air Force personnel.

 

PRESS CONTACT:
David Litts, O.D.
Air Force Suicide Prevention Program
(202) 260–7835/9123
The suicide rate among United States Air Force (USAF) personnel has fallen precipitously since the service launched its community-based suicide prevention program. The Air Force's suicide rate, once the highest among the military services, is now the lowest of any service branch; 75 percent below previous levels. From 1990-1994, the annual suicide rate among USAF staff rose from 10.0 to 16.4 per 100,000. In 1996-1997, suicide prevention programs were initiated across the entire USAF. Suicide prevention and awareness training was provided to approximately 80% USAF personnel. Suicide should not be viewed solely as a medical or mental health problem, since protective factors such as social support and connectedness appear to play significant roles in prevention.

 

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1998–October 1999

 

PRESS CONTACT:
Roland Sutter, M.D.
CDC, National Immunization Program
(404) 639–8252
In 1988, the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) of the World Health Organization (WHO) resolved to eliminate poliomyelitis from the region by 2000. This report summarizes progress toward this goal in EMR countries through October 1999. The report indicates that the essential polio eradication strategies are being implemented in all countries, including war-torn and other under-developed areas of the region and acceleration of eradication activities to rapidly stop poliovirus transmission is under way in the polio-endemic countries.

 


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