Polio eradication and COVID-19

A public health imperative

The COVID -19 pandemic response requires worldwide solidarity. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has a public health imperative to ensure that its resources are used to support countries in their preparedness and response. The COVID-19 emergency also means that polio eradication will be affected. We will continue to communicate on impact, plans and guidance as they evolve.

Policy statements


Urgent updated country and regional recommendations from the Polio Oversight Board – 26 May 2020
| English |


Use of bi-valent Oral Polio Vaccine supplied for polio Supplementary Immunization Activities in Routine Immunization activities | English | French |


Use of oral polio vaccine (OPV) to prevent SARS-CoV2 | English |



Safeguarding in-country mOPV2 stocks during COVID-19 pandemic pause | English |

Technical and operational guidance documents


Polio eradication programme continuity: implementation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic | English | French |



Interim guidelines for frontline workers on safe implementation of house-to-house vaccination campaigns |English| French |


Interim guidance for the polio surveillance network in the context of coronavirus (COVID-19) | English |