WHO’s emergency committee concluded that poliovirus spread internationally remained a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, but not a pandemic emergency. WHO extended temporary recommendations for another three months from 21 August 2026. Afghanistan and Pakistan remained the two countries with endemic wild poliovirus transmission. By the statement date, four wild poliovirus type 1 cases had been reported in 2026: three in Afghanistan and one in Pakistan. The committee kept the situation under international review.
It noted progress but warned that transmission continued. However, immunity gaps and insecurity still obstructed interruption efforts. Cross-border movement also complicated vaccination and surveillance. A funding shortfall of nearly 30 per cent could weaken the response. These findings show why vaccination and international coordination remain important. Temporary recommendations therefore remain in place, supporting coordinated action while countries work to stop transmission and protect unvaccinated communities in affected areas and vulnerable families.