To help curb the spread of COVID-19, two months ago the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) made the difficult decision to temporarily pause house-to-house immunization campaigns. In line with the latest WHO guidance on implementing mass vaccination campaigns, the GPEI is now recommending that countries with active polio transmission begin preparing to resume immunization activities as soon as conditions are in place to do so safely and adequately. The GPEI has prepared a comprehensive guidance document and will work with countries to carefully ensure that the benefits of carrying out the activity outweigh the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Meanwhile polio health workers around the world continue to provide crucial support to the pandemic response.
Submitted by President Rosemarie Rowney
