1 March 2016 – The eighth meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) regarding the international spread of poliovirus was convened via teleconference by the Director-General on 12 February 2016. As with the seventh meeting, the Emergency Committee reviewed the data on circulating wild poliovirus as well as circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV). The latter is particularly important as cVDPVs reflect serious gaps in immunity to poliovirus due to weaknesses in routine immunization coverage in otherwise polio-free countries. In addition, it is essential to stop type 2 cVDPVs in advance of the globally synchronized withdrawal of type 2 OPV in April 2016.
The following IHR States Parties submitted an update on the implementation of the Temporary Recommendations since the Committee last met on 10 November 2015: Afghanistan, Pakistan and Guinea.