UN City, Marmorvej 51 Tel.: +45 45 33 70 00 Email: eurocontact@who.int
DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø Fax: +45 45 33 70 01 Website: https://www.who.int/europe
Denmark
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTÉ
WELTGESUNDHEITSORGANISATION
ВСЕМИРНАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ ЗДРАВООХРАНЕНИЯ
Date: 25 November 2024
Ms Riina Sikkut
Minister of Health
Ministry of Social Affairs
Suur-Ameerika 1 Tallinn 10129
Estonia
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE
BUREAU RÉGIONAL DE L’EUROPE
REGIONALBÜRO FÜR EUROPA
ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЕ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЕ БЮРО
Head office:
UN City, Marmorvej 51,
DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
Tel.: +45 45 33 70 00; Fax: +45 45 33 70 01
Email: eurocontact@who.int
Website: https://www.who.int/europe
Dear Minister,
WHO European Regional Polio Laboratory Network
Laboratory accreditation for 2025
As part of the annual accreditation procedure, the national polio laboratory of your country, as a member
of the WHO Global Polio Laboratory Network, was reviewed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Based on the results of this review, I am pleased to inform you that the laboratory is fully accredited as
a WHO National Polio Laboratory for 2025. Please find enclosed the accreditation review summary for
your information. All technical recommendations have been shared with the laboratory using the WHO
Global Polio Laboratory Network Management System platform.
The Polio Eradication Strategy 2022–2026 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240031937)
continues to emphasize the importance of rapid poliovirus detection. To that end, the introduction of
molecular intratypic differentiation (ITD) in all polio laboratories would prepare them to adopt direct
molecular detection of poliovirus once this approach becomes available. I trust that you will continue
providing your kind support to the polio laboratory in your country by ensuring that the WHO ITD
method is accepted and endorsed for use in your country and that the polio laboratory is adequately
resourced to continue its critical function.
I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that implementation of poliovirus containment
requirements in all polio laboratories is critical within the framework of the Global Polio Eradication
Initiative activities. In accordance with the latest recommendations of the Global Commission for
Certification of Eradication of Poliomyelitis, only the Sabin type 1 and 3 poliovirus infectious materials
are exempt from containment; certified containment of all other materials must be implemented by the
end of 2026. Any unneeded poliovirus infectious and potentially infectious materials should be
destroyed at the earliest opportunity, with their destruction documented and communicated to the
National Poliovirus Containment Coordinator in your country.
I would like to thank you personally for your ongoing support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
and to congratulate the staff of the laboratory on the successful accreditation.
Yours very truly,