International News

Africa on Polio Control

August 26 , 2026 11 hrs 0 min 5 0

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the end of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of the Congo and Uganda after assessments conducted from January to June 2026.
The assessments examined disease surveillance, laboratory evidence, population immunity and vaccination campaign performance.
The five countries strengthened routine vaccination, disease detection, surveillance and targeted immunisation to stop virus transmission.
Guinea-Bissau has reported no poliovirus detection since July 2021, while the Republic of the Congo recorded its last detection in December 2023.
Poliovirus is a highly infectious virus that mainly affects the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis; however, polio is preventable through vaccination.