Global poliovirus containment efforts significantly advanced this last quarter as facilities in Australia, Belgium, Hungary, Canada and France were awarded Certificates of Containment (CCs) by the Global Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (GCC). These certifications confirm full compliance with the WHO Global Action Plan for Poliovirus Containment (GAPIV) and reflect growing global momentum to ensure poliovirus materials are managed safely and securely.
Belgium’s newly certified facilities become the country’s second poliovirus‑essential facility to achieve full containment certification – an important milestone for the European region.
Following the eradication of wild poliovirus types 2 and 3, countries retaining poliovirus materials must meet stringent biosafety and biosecurity requirements. The GPEI continues to support national authorities as they work toward completing this critical component of the polio endgame.
National authorities respond
“Achieving containment certification reflects Australia’s commitment to the highest standards of biorisk management. Our teams have worked diligently to ensure that poliovirus materials are managed with the utmost responsibility,” said Dr Gary Lum, from Australia’s National Authority for Containment.
“Belgium is proud to now have two fully certified poliovirus‑essential facilities, with the first achieving its certification in March 2026. This accomplishment demonstrates our sustained investment in safe, secure, and compliant research environments,” said Dr Bart Hoorelbeke , Belgium NAC Focal Point.
“Hungary’s certification marks a significant step for our national health security system. Meeting GAPIV requirements has been a major undertaking, and we are proud to contribute to global containment efforts,” said Dr Mária Takács Hungary NAC Focal point.
A shared responsibility
As the world moves closer to a polio‑free future, maintaining rigorous containment remains essential to safeguarding eradication gains. Countries are expected to have met all containment requirements and achieved certification of their facilities by end-2026.
The GPEI congratulates Australia, Belgium, and Hungary for their leadership and continued commitment to responsible poliovirus stewardship.
Related links:
Three facilities holding poliovirus achieve full containment certification
Poliovirus-essential facility in Belgium awarded world’s first Certificate of Containment
