Public Health Emergency status

IHR Public Health Emergency of International Concern

Temporary Recommendations to Reduce International Spread of Poliovirus

On 5 May 2014 the WHO Director-General declared the international spread of poliovirus in 2014 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), issued Temporary Recommendations to reduce the international spread of poliovirus, and requested a reassessment of this situation by the Emergency Committee every three months. The 35th meeting of the Emergency Committee was held in May 2023.

Based on the committee’s advice and the reports made by affected States Parties, the Director-General extended the following Temporary Recommendations under the IHR (2005), effective December 2023. The committee’s full report is available here.

Polio-free countries

While there are no specific IHR Temporary Recommendations for travellers from polio free countries, those travelling to polio-affected countries are advised to consult International Travel and Health

Related Links

For travellers: Frequently-asked questions [pdf]
Translations: Français | Español | عربي

Download the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis

Current global polio case count

International Health Regulations portal (secured-access for national IHR focal point)

Please send questions to: polioihr@who.int