In February 2025, the 156th session of the Executive Board convened to discuss the steps being taken to achieve and sustain a polio-free world. In addition to underlining their commitment to global efforts to eradicate polio, Member States and key stakeholders expressed their support for the long-term sustainable transition of polio assets, knowledge and infrastructure into national health systems and recipient programmes.
Strengthening health systems through immunization, surveillance, outbreak response and containment
The aims of polio transition efforts are outlined in the
polio transition strategic framework . The polio transition process focuses on sustaining the polio investments – the tools, knowledge and infrastructure built to eradicate polio over the past decades – to keep the world polio-free and build strong, resilient and equitable health systems. Since the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was established in 1988, the polio eradication programme has become a critical backbone of public health in some of the most challenging contexts worldwide. Sustaining the essential functions of strong immunization, sensitive surveillance, rapid outbreak response and robust containment of polioviruses following the eradication of polio is important to prevent the disease returning, and to strengthen broader public health.
Several Member States commented on the progress being made on polio transition in priority countries. Somalia discussed work being undertaken by the government to increase the capacity of frontline polio health workers to undertake vaccine delivery and surveillance for other diseases. Meanwhile, Norway voiced their support for the implementation of the polio transition agenda, especially where infrastructure and personnel can be leveraged to reach zero-dose children and strengthen primary health care. Action plans for transition are tailored to local context, with progress monitored through regular monitoring and evaluation to enable course corrections.
Robust systems through eradication and beyond
Speakers also emphasized the potential for polio transition and integration to strengthen national health systems. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, stressed the importance of integrating polio-funded assets into existing national health systems, a move that is critical for sustaining immunization gains and fortifying overall health security, a key global health priority. Meanwhile, Canada supported the strengthening of country capacity and the provision of technical assistance and training to Member States to enable them to independently support the polio essential functions. Indonesia, where significant work has been undertaken on transition, called for sustainable financing to secure polio essential functions for the long term. This is especially important given the challenging contexts where much of the polio eradication infrastructure is located.
Another theme was the steps required to prevent any future resurgence of the virus. The polio post-certification strategy (PCS), which sets out the technical standards to sustain a polio-free world, is currently undergoing revision. Thailand endorsed the revision process, which enables new technologies and best practices to be reflected in the document. Several countries also emphasized the importance of working collaboratively, particularly to maintain strong surveillance, during the post-certification era. The post-certification strategy has three core aims: to protect populations, to detect and respond to a polio event or outbreak, and to contain poliovirus. These aims are aligned with the polio transition strategic framework. Sustainable transition, including strong country ownership and financing, will be central to help lay the groundwork for the implementation of the PCS.
Across their comments, Member States called for continued collaboration, investment, and country-driven leadership to achieve eradication, ensure a sustainable transition, and plan for post-certification. Joint efforts and a strong focus on implementation are key to achieving and sustaining a polio-free world and building stronger, resilient and equitable health systems.
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