Baghdad, Iraq – Iraq, the first country among polio transition priority countries to achieve the polio transition process in full, continues to reap benefits from its historic success. Its polio programme will now be sustained through domestic financing, marking a significant step forward in Iraq's public health goals.

Last month, Iraq's success was highlighted as part of the Eastern Mediterranean Region’s investment cases at two international events, the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) 50th anniversary ceremony in Cairo and the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) meeting in Geneva.

"Iraq’s achievement in completing the polio transition shows the strength of the commitment of the Iraqi health authorities to a polio-free future. This is not just a victory against polio, it’s a victory for every child in Iraq who now has a better chance at a healthy life," said Dr Georges Ki-Zerbo, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq.