After receiving advice from an Emergency Committee of independent experts and in order to protect progress toward eradication, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan declared the recent international spread of wild poliovirus a “public health emergency of international concern,” and issued Temporary Recommendations under the International Health Regulations (2005) to prevent further spread of the disease as the high season approaches.
This decision comes at a time when the world is better-positioned than ever to end polio. The program is making progress against all objectives of the ‘endgame’ Strategic Plan to end all polio by 2018. India, considered the most technically-challenging place to eradicate polio, is polio-free and more of the world’s population lives in certified polio-free regions than ever before.
We have compiled our most frequently asked questions and provided the answers for you.
When these new recommendations from WHO will be implemented?
These recommendations are effective as of 5 May, but countries will need a few weeks at least to implement them.
How do I get a polio vaccine certificate stating that I have had this vaccination?
In order to get a polio vaccine certificate, please consult local government health facility or a government hospital.
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