The World Well being Group (WHO) Regional Workplace for Africa confirmed the end of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo and Uganda following Unbiased Outbreak Response Evaluation (OBRA) performed between January and June 2026.
The assessments examined illness surveillance, laboratory and epidemiological proof, inhabitants immunity and vaccination marketing campaign efficiency.
Based mostly on the findings, the WHO Regional Workplace for Africa confirmed the closure of poliovirus kind 2 outbreaks in all 5 international locations.
The progress displays years of efforts to strengthen routine vaccination, shut immunity gaps, enhance illness detection and attain youngsters in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Regardless of variations among the many 5 international locations, their experiences confirmed that speedy detection, sustained surveillance, group engagement and high-quality vaccination campaigns are central to stopping transmission.
Within the Republic of the Congo, authorities strengthened surveillance and performed a number of vaccination campaigns following virus detections. The nation’s final detection was reported in December 2023, after which efforts centered on sustaining delicate surveillance and addressing immunity gaps in high-risk areas.
Burundi, which declared a circulating poliovirus kind 2 outbreak in March 2023, strengthened routine immunisation, epidemiological investigations and environmental surveillance. Focused vaccination campaigns helped attain weak populations and interrupt transmission.
In Uganda, well being authorities intensified illness surveillance and outbreak response actions following the detection of poliovirus in Might 2024, whereas sustaining sturdy coordination throughout nationwide and subnational ranges.
Ghana mixed stronger laboratory capability with illness surveillance and speedy outbreak response.
Each Ghana and Uganda upgraded their laboratory capabilities earlier this 12 months, enhancing their capability to establish poliovirus rapidly and reply to different vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Guinea-Bissau centered on reaching underserved communities by way of focused immunization campaigns and stronger surveillance. No poliovirus has been detected within the nation since July 2021.
Danger stays
Regardless of the most recent progress, well being authorities warned that the closure of an outbreak doesn’t imply the specter of poliovirus has disappeared. The chance of renewed transmission stays, notably in international locations bordering areas the place the virus continues to flow into.
The latest detection of poliovirus in Madagascar following the closure of a earlier outbreak illustrates the persevering with vulnerability of nations which have interrupted transmission.
WHO and its companions are subsequently urging governments to keep up sturdy surveillance methods, excessive vaccination protection and the capability to reply quickly to any new detection.
UNICEF and Gavi harassed that investments made throughout polio responses together with group engagement, mapping, surveillance and reaching missed youngsters will strengthen broader well being methods.
In 2025, the African Area accelerated efforts to modernise its polio laboratory community, enhancing diagnostic capability and decreasing the time required to establish poliovirus.
Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, stated: “Whereas this is a vital milestone, it isn’t the tip of the journey. Continued vigilance, sturdy surveillance and excessive immunization protection stay important to guard youngsters and forestall future outbreaks.”
Polio is extremely infectious illness and might trigger irreversible paralysis, however it’s preventable by way of vaccination.
The closure of those 5 outbreaks means extra youngsters are protected against a doubtlessly lifelong incapacity.
