Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious and sometimes fatal disease, which invades the nervous system and can cause life-long paralysis. In June 2002, all 53 countries in the WHO European Region were certified polio free. A sustained effort of immunization and disease surveillance helps maintain the Region’s polio-free status and ensures that no polio case can be left undetected.
Maintaining the Region's polio-free statusTop story
Tajikistan completes first round of supplemental immunization campaign against polio
Over 1.2 million children have received 2 drops of oral polio vaccine (OPV) in Tajikistan in the past week, in the first round of a campaign to stop circulation of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) detected in the country. This represents 99% of the children targeted to receive vaccination during this campaign.
Vaccination and COVID-19
- COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination
- Operational guidance to support Member States in preparing for and implementing COVID-19 vaccination
- Q&A on vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Guidance on routine immunization services during COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO European Region
- Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on control of vaccine-preventable diseases: a health risk management approach focused on catch-up vaccination (2020)
Polio Outbreak Simulation Exercise (POSE)
Tabletop exercise to help Member states review and update national response plans
Polio Endgame Strategy
The comprehensive, long-term strategy to deliver a polio-free world.
Step-by-step eradication of polioLatest meeting report
33rd Meeting of the European Regional Commission for Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC) Report (2019)
Data and statistics
1 in 200
infections with poliovirus leads to irreversible paralysis. There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.
More data and statistics
Publications
Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on control of vaccine-preventable diseases (2020)
See all publications
European Immunization Week
Each year in April, EIW promotes the core message that the immunization of every child is vital to prevent diseases and protect life. The goal of the region-wide campaign is to increase vaccination coverage by raising awareness of the importance of immunization.
Go to EIW2021 campaign siteKey resources
- CISID
WHO/Europe infectious disease data set, compiled from reports submitted by Member States
- WHO EpiBrief and EpiData
Summary and analysis of data on selected vaccine-preventable diseases
- Polio laboratory data management system
Information and resources for the Regional Polio Lab Network
- CISID
WHO/Europe infectious disease data set, compiled from reports submitted by Member States
- Immunization Resource Centre
Documents designed to assist health professionals in their day-to-day work as it relates to immunization
WHO_Europe_VPI twitter feed
