Global Polio Eradication Initiative Webinar - Launch of updated Outbreak Response SOPs

As the world moves closer to polio eradication, stopping outbreaks quickly and decisively has never been more important. To reflect evolving epidemiology, new scientific evidence and years of operational experience, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has updated its Outbreak Response Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 

The updated SOPs sharpen how countries detect, assess and respond to polio outbreaks. They introduce clearer outbreak definitions, stronger risk assessment, and more tailored response strategies, helping programmes close immunity gaps faster and prevent outbreaks from becoming prolonged.

At the heart of the updated guidance is a simple goal: protect children more rapidly and interrupt transmission more reliably, even in the most challenging settings. 

What:
Updated Polio Outbreak Response SOPs launch webinar Zoom link: https://who.zoom.us/j/97374306254

When:
• Tuesday 28 April 2026, 14.00-15.30hrs Central European Time (CET) 

Who:
• Moderator: Ms Sheeba Afghani, Senior Manager Social and Behaviour Change Polio, UNICEF
• Opening: Dr Steven Lauwerier, Director for Polio Eradication, UNICEF; and, Chair of GPEI 
Strategy Committee (SC)
• Presentations (30 minutes):
o Dr Stephanie Kovacs, Team Lead for Surveillance Innovation and Research, CDC
o Dr Corey Peak, Senior Officer, Modeling & Analytics, Polio, Global Development, Gates Foundation
• Open Q&A with panelists (45 minutes):
o Dr Karim Djibaoui, Team Leader, Polio Outbreak Response, WHO
o Ms Tsedeye Girma, Senior Manager, Polio Outbreak Response, UNICEF 
o Dr Mohamed Gedi, Programme Coordinator, Polio Eradication, WHO’s African Regional Office (AFRO)