The World Health Organization has prequalified another novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), reinforcing global efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis. This approval enables United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, to procure and distribute the vaccine for large-scale immunisation campaigns.
WHO prequalification confirms that the vaccine meets international standards of quality, safety, and effectiveness, making it suitable for widespread public health use.
What Is WHO Prequalification?
WHO prequalification is a quality assurance mechanism that evaluates vaccines and medicines on:
- Safety standards
- Clinical effectiveness
- Manufacturing practices
- Long-term reliability
Once approved, these products become eligible for purchase by UN agencies and international donors, ensuring rapid deployment in high-risk regions.
In polio eradication, this process ensures that only scientifically validated vaccines are used in mass campaigns.
Why nOPV2 Is Important?
Earlier oral polio vaccines (OPVs) played a historic role in reducing polio cases worldwide. However, in rare situations, weakened virus strains in traditional OPVs could mutate and lead to circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) outbreaks. The nOPV2 vaccine tries to overcome this limitation.
Key Features of nOPV2
- Improved genetic stability
- Reduced risk of viral mutation
- Lower chances of vaccine-derived outbreaks
- Strong intestinal immunity
This innovation makes nOPV2 particularly valuable in the final phase of polio eradication.
Role in Global Polio Eradication
The new prequalification supports the work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which coordinates worldwide vaccination and surveillance efforts.
In December, global leaders pledged nearly $1.9 billion to accelerate eradication. The programme aims to immunise around 370 million children every year.
The campaign is supported by partners such as Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, national governments, and civil society organisations.
Current Status of Polio Worldwide
Due to sustained immunisation efforts, polio has been eliminated from most countries. However, transmission persists in limited regions.
Major risk factors include:
- Declining routine immunisation
- Conflict and displacement
- Weak health infrastructure
- Vaccine hesitancy
These challenges make continuous vaccination and surveillance essential to prevent resurgence.
Public Health Significance
Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted mainly through contaminated water and food. It primarily affects children under five years of age.
Health Impacts
- Sudden muscle weakness
- Permanent paralysis
- Breathing complications
- In extreme cases, death
Oral polio vaccines remain central to control strategies because they are easy to administer and effective in blocking transmission.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite technological progress, eradication efforts face several obstacles:
- Limited financial resources
- Difficult access to remote areas
- Misinformation and rumours
- Political instability in high-risk zones
Addressing these challenges requires strong political commitment and community participation.
Towards a Polio-Free World
The approval of another nOPV2 vaccine is a major milestone in closing immunity gaps and strengthening outbreak prevention. With safer vaccines, sustained funding, and high coverage, global health agencies are better positioned to protect future generations.
If international cooperation and community trust continue, the goal of a polio-free world is increasingly achievable.
Summary
The World Health Organization has prequalified another nOPV2 vaccine to support global polio eradication. This approval enables UN agencies to procure and distribute a safer and more genetically stable oral vaccine. By reducing the risk of vaccine-derived outbreaks, nOPV2 strengthens ongoing immunisation efforts. Backed by international funding and partnerships, the initiative aims to immunise millions of children annually and eliminate the remaining pockets of poliovirus transmission.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- WHO prequalification allows UN agencies to procure vaccines globally.
- nOPV2 targets type 2 poliovirus with enhanced genetic stability.
- It reduces the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks.
- Polio mainly affects children under five years of age.
- Annual children targetted for immunisation: 370 million
- The Global Polio Eradication Initiative leads global eradication efforts.
- Oral polio vaccines induce strong intestinal immunity.
nOPV2 Vaccine FAQs
nOPV2 is a novel oral polio vaccine designed to target type 2 poliovirus with improved genetic stability.
It ensures that vaccines meet global safety and quality standards and can be procured by UN agencies.
It is less likely to mutate and cause vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks.
UN agencies such as UNICEF, along with governments and partners, manage its distribution.
No. While eliminated from most regions, it still circulates in limited areas, requiring continued vaccination.
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