WHO African Region is certified free of wild polio

The dated release concerns genetic information, not a claim that vaccines or treatments were already available.

WHO and Africa CDC launched a 25-member committee to advise on testing proposed traditional therapies for COVID-19.

The newly launched panel emphasized clinical trials that assess efficacy, safety and quality; it did not certify a COVID-19 remedy.

Members came from research institutions, regulators, traditional medicine programmes and civil society across the region.

Regional director Matshidiso Moeti said that research into potential traditional COVID-19 therapies needed a scientific foundation.

Health workers and communities sustained immunization and surveillance across countries.

The achievement did not eliminate vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks.

The announcement recognized sustained prevention, case detection and international cooperation.

A regional expert panel endorsed a phase III clinical trial protocol for candidate herbal products against COVID-19, without approving a product.

The panel also endorsed terms of reference for a data and safety monitoring board to review participant safety during trials.