Country Transition Planning

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has supported many countries across the world to become polio-free, and over 90% of the GPEI resources that contributed to this achievement exist at the country level. As the world comes closer to the certification of global eradication, GPEI resources will gradually decrease, until the eventual closure of the programme just after eradication.

These changes in financing will require countries to proactively plan for a transition away from GPEI resources. To manage these changes successfully, governments must lead the development of national transition plans that determine what polio functions will be integrated into other existing initiatives, and what functions may be prioritized  or phased out. Each national plan should address local needs and priorities, and may draw on lessons learned from the various pathways to achieving eradication.

Every country with staff, systems, and infrastructure that are funded by GPEI should plan for this transition. There are 16 countries that together receive over 90% of the GPEI resources that have been identified as a priority for transition planning. The programme is working closely with these countries to help support development of their transition plans.

Priority countries

Global guidance for country planning

To assist countries in the transition planning process, GPEI has proposed a series of seven steps to guide the development of national plans. These steps are flexible and may be easily adapted by countries to suit their local context. Global guidelines have also been developed to support countries in their process of drafting national transition plans.

Where possible, transition planning should be integrated into existing country planning processes, such as the National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP) and the comprehensive Multi-Year Plan (cMYP).

Guidelines for preparing a transition plan, March 2015 | English | Français | Português |

Progress in country planning

GPEI is closely tracking the status of national planning processes, to help identify challenges as they arise, and provide and mobilize support as needed.

Additionally, the process is being monitored by the Transition Independent Monitoring Board.

Country transition plans

14 priority countries are developing polio transition plans under the leadership of the government, with support from WHO and UNICEF. The following national transition plans have been so far endorsed by Interagency Coordinating Committees (ICCs).

For further information on transition planning, please contact us.