The GPEI Action Plan 2026 is the operational implementation document that translates the Polio Eradication Strategy 2022–2026 into specific, time-bound activities, targets, and resource allocations for calendar year 2026. This 42-page document serves as the authoritative annual programming reference for all GPEI partner organizations and national health authorities. It is accompanied by Annex B containing subnational action plans (File 5).

Under Goal One — interrupting all poliovirus transmission — the plan provides a detailed situation assessment of WPV1 in Afghanistan and Pakistan, active cVDPV2 outbreaks, and environmental surveillance findings. It presents SIA schedules, vaccination quality targets, surveillance sensitivity benchmarks, and outbreak response capacity requirements with risk mitigation strategies for each operational domain. Under Goal Two — building resilient health systems — the plan outlines routine immunization strengthening activities, transition planning milestones, and poliovirus containment progress under GAP-IV. A detailed financial section maps costs and resource allocations country-by-country.

The document covers specific plans for endemic WPV1 countries, regional cVDPV2 response strategies across Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia, and the parameters for nOPV2 deployment in outbreak contexts. An accountability section describes the performance monitoring framework and reporting timelines used by the IMB and TIMB in quarterly and annual assessments.

This is the primary operational reference for GPEI country representatives, WHO and UNICEF program managers, national immunization directors, surveillance coordinators, and donor governments monitoring implementation of activities their contributions fund.

Who should read this: GPEI country representatives, WHO regional and country directors, UNICEF program managers, national immunization program directors, surveillance officers, SIA coordinators, donor representatives, IMB/TIMB members.

Document value: Definitive operational reference for all GPEI activities in 2026. Establishes accountability targets, resource allocations, and monitoring benchmarks for the final year of the 2022–2026 strategy cycle.