Campaign description
The United to End Polio campaign drives regional advocacy, showcasing ownership and commitments from Member States of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. The campaign highlights the impact of individuals and collective actions to stop poliovirus transmission and strengthen immunization and surveillance systems. The campaign was officially launched during the 12th Meeting of the Regional Subcommittee for Polio Eradication and Outbreaks as part of the Seventy-first Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean on 14–17 October 2024 in Doha, Qatar.
Federal Minister of Health of Sudan Dr Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim Awadallah at the United to End Polio exhibit at the Seventy-first Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean in Doha, Qatar. Photo credit: WHO
Assistant Undersecretary at the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention Dr Hussain Al Rand interacts with the United to End Polio exhibit at the Seventy-first Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean in Doha, Qatar. Photo credit: WHO
Member states' engagment
The United to End Polio campaign highlights national efforts across the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Member States share their stories and engage through the Secretariat of the Regional Subcommittee for Polio Eradication and Outbreaks.
To join the campaign, email:
Campaign assets
Member States, leaders and campaign advocates across the Region are invited to download and share the following graphics and videos on social media.
Regional
Regional Subcommittee for Polio Eradication and Outbreaks
Rapidly stopping the transmission of all types of poliovirus will take regional and global solidarity. United to #EndPolio, @WHOEMRO Member States and the Regional Subcommittee for Polio Eradication and Outbreaks are leading the charge.
World Polio Day 2024
We recognize health leaders across @WHOEMRO who are renewing their commitment – and taking bold steps – to ensure a lasting polio-free world. #EndPolio
Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean expansion of environmental surveillance
Expanding environmental surveillance is crucial to the fight to #EndPolio. Without it, we cannot pinpoint where wild poliovirus is or confirm when it has been eradicated. Watch how Member States in @WHOEMRO have expanded efforts to track the virus.
nOPV2 use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Member States in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region are committed to rapidly responding to variant poliovirus outbreaks. By strengthening surveillance and deploying nOPV2, we're ensuring swift action when cVDPV2 is detected. Together, we can #EndPolio for good.
Cross-border coordination between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Ending polio requires strong cross-border coordination between Afghanistan and Pakistan. By working together on vaccination campaigns and surveillance we can stop the virus from spreading across borders and ensure every child is protected. #EndPolio
Member states
Iraq
Iraq is leading by example, integrating essential polio functions into its health system to sustain progress and strengthen public health. By using #polio assets for broader health efforts, Iraq is ensuring long-term protection for children and building resilient health systems.
Pakistan
The road to eradication has faced significant challenges. But with strong engagement from political, community and civil society leaders across all sectors, Pakistan is committed to mobilizing every resource to #EndPolio
Qatar
Thanks to @MOPHQatar for continuing to champion the fight to #EndPolio. Qatar is a regional leader in ensuring no child is left behind.
Saudi Arabia
Thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their regional leadership in the fight to #EndPolio. From vital funding to expanding disease surveillance around mass gatherings, KSA’s efforts underline how we all play a role in polio eradication.
Somalia
Despite competing health priorities and ongoing challenges in accessing children, Somalia is taking bold and innovative steps to end the long-running outbreak of cVDPV2.
Sudan
Despite competing health priorities and ongoing challenges in accessing children, Somalia is taking bold and innovative steps to end the long-running outbreak of cVDPV2.
United Arab Emirates
Thanks to @mohapuae for its longstanding commitment to a lasting polio-free world, including the 2024 allocation of US$ 5m of critical funding to the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza.
Yemen
Reaching all children in Yemen, especially in the northern governorates, is crucial to stopping the ongoing polio outbreak. Every child deserves protection against this disease. Let’s unite efforts to ensure no child is left behind. #EndPolio
