18th Meeting of the Regional Certification Commission for the Polio Endgame in the Region of the Americas, Lima, 15–19 July 2024, Meeting report

The 18th Meeting of the Regional Certification Commission for the Polio Endgame in the Region of the Americas (RCC) was held in Lima, Peru, from 15 to 19 July 2024. During the meeting, the RCC reviewed and validated annual reports from 27 countries and the Caribbean Subregion, along with three stand-alone containment reports, to assess progress toward maintaining a polio-free Region and advancing global eradication efforts. This report summarizes the information presented by countries and the outcomes of the RCC’s review. It also details key conclusions and recommendations, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to achieve high immunization coverage, strengthen surveillance systems, complete the containment process, conduct comprehensive risk assessments that inform risk mitigation strategies, and ensure preparedness for potential events or outbreaks. The findings in this publication serve as a vital resource for National Certification Committees, policymakers, and health professionals engaged in polio eradication. The RCC acknowledges the ongoing efforts of countries and institutions dedicated to preventing the reintroduction of poliovirus and ensuring the Region of the Americas remains polio-free.