The World Health Organization has determined that the international spread of poliovirus remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accepted the findings of the 46th meeting of the Polio IHR Emergency Committee, which met on September 30, 2026.
Temporary recommendations to curb the spread of wild poliovirus type 1 and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses were extended on November 12, 2026. The committee said the risk of international spread persists.
The committee assessment says the risk is driven by inaccessibility and insecurity. It also cites high concentrations of under-immunized children and population displacement. Officials reported 29 cases of wild poliovirus type 1 in 2026. Afghanistan recorded 25 of these cases, and Pakistan recorded four.
Mirage News reported that the committee said there is a need for targeted measures. These measures should sustain and consolidate progress. They must boost population immunity in areas with persistent immunity gaps.
Data shows a decline in genetic biodiversity of the virus between 2020 and 2023. A subsequent increase in 2024 forced the splitting of two genetic clusters into eight. Four of these clusters remain active in 2026. They circulate in areas with low immunization coverage along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The committee also expressed concern regarding a rise in circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases. There were 155 such cases reported by September 15, 2026. 61 environmental detections occurred across 20 countries.
The committee encouraged nations with low population immunity to use domestic resources for catch-up vaccination activities.
Member states must maintain current measures. They must do so until at least six months pass without any detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. This applies if there is documentation of high-quality eradication activities in high-risk areas. These requirements follow amendments to the International Health Regulations adopted under resolution WHA77.17 in June 2024. These regulations entered into force on September 19, 2025.