In a significant step toward ending polio worldwide, the World Health Organization has prequalified a new novel oral polio vaccine known as nOPV2. The approval is expected to strengthen global immunization programmes and enhance efforts to curb the spread of the virus, particularly in regions still facing outbreaks.
Health experts note that the updated vaccine is genetically more stable than earlier versions, reducing the risk of mutation and improving its ability to halt transmission. The development is being viewed as a major advancement in the long-running international campaign to eradicate polio completely.
Public health officials say wider deployment of the new vaccine could accelerate progress toward a polio-free world, provided countries maintain strong vaccination coverage and surveillance systems.
