Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman has retained its polio-free status, with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication reaffirming that the country remains free of the debilitating disease.

The confirmation came during the Commission’s 40th regional meeting, being held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from June 9 to 11, where delegates are reviewing progress in polio eradication across the Eastern Mediterranean Region and assessing challenges facing national immunisation programmes.

The commission commended Oman’s sustained efforts in safeguarding public health, noting that the country has remained polio-free for more than three decades through robust vaccination campaigns, effective epidemiological surveillance and strong disease prevention systems.

Representatives from the Ministry of Health, including the National Certification Committee for Polio Eradication and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, participated in the meeting and presented updates on the sultanate’s continued commitment to maintaining international standards in disease monitoring and immunisation.

Health authorities said the recognition reflects Oman’s long-standing investment in preventive healthcare and its success in preserving one of its most significant public health achievements.

The WHO Commission also highlighted the efficiency of Oman’s immunisation programmes and surveillance mechanisms, describing them as key factors in sustaining the country’s polio-free status amid ongoing regional and global eradication efforts.

The latest reaffirmation further strengthens Oman’s standing in communicable disease prevention and underscores its commitment to enhancing national health security through proactive public health policies and continuous monitoring.