The WHO has included a new oral vaccine against polio, nOPV2, on the list of prequalified products, facilitating its use in immunization campaigns.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the prequalification of a new oral vaccine against type 2 poliomyelitis, called nOPV2, which will support global efforts to eradicate the disease. Poliomyelitis is a severe viral infection that affects the nervous system, causing paralysis, especially in children. The nOPV2 vaccine is designed to be genetically more stable than previous versions, reducing the risk of vaccine-derived outbreaks. Prequalification allows UN agencies, such as UNICEF, to purchase and distribute the vaccine in immunization campaigns.

The decision comes following the international commitment to allocate $1.9 billion for the eradication of poliomyelitis, protecting 370 million children annually. Although Europe was declared polio-free in 2002, the virus continues to circulate in other regions, maintaining the risks of spread. Vaccination remains the only effective method of prevention.