WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTÉ Date: 25 November 2024
WELTGESUNDHEITSORGANISATION
ВСЕМИРНАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ ЗДРАВООХРАНЕНИЯ
Ms Riina Sikkut
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE
BUREAU RÉGIONAL DE L’EUROPE
Minister of Health
REGIONALBÜRO FÜR EUROPA Ministry of Social Affairs
ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЕ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЕ БЮРО
Suur-Ameerika 1 Tallinn 10129
Head office: Estonia
UN City, Marmorvej 51,
DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
Tel.: +45 45 33 70 00; Fax: +45 45 33 70 01
Email:
[email protected]
Website: https://www.who.int/europe
Dear Minister,
WHO European Regional Polio Laboratory Network
Laboratory accreditation for 2025
As part of the annual accreditation procedure, the national polio laboratory of your country, as a member
of the WHO Global Polio Laboratory Network, was reviewed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Based on the results of this review, I am pleased to inform you that the laboratory is fully accredited as
a WHO National Polio Laboratory for 2025. Please find enclosed the accreditation review summary for
your information. All technical recommendations have been shared with the laboratory using the WHO
Global Polio Laboratory Network Management System platform.
The Polio Eradication Strategy 2022–2026 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240031937)
continues to emphasize the importance of rapid poliovirus detection. To that end, the introduction of
molecular intratypic differentiation (ITD) in all polio laboratories would prepare them to adopt direct
molecular detection of poliovirus once this approach becomes available. I trust that you will continue
providing your kind support to the polio laboratory in your country by ensuring that the WHO ITD
method is accepted and endorsed for use in your country and that the polio laboratory is adequately
resourced to continue its critical function.
I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that implementation of poliovirus containment
requirements in all polio laboratories is critical within the framework of the Global Polio Eradication
Initiative activities. In accordance with the latest recommendations of the Global Commission for
Certification of Eradication of Poliomyelitis, only the Sabin type 1 and 3 poliovirus infectious materials
are exempt from containment; certified containment of all other materials must be implemented by the
end of 2026. Any unneeded poliovirus infectious and potentially infectious materials should be
destroyed at the earliest opportunity, with their destruction documented and communicated to the
National Poliovirus Containment Coordinator in your country.
I would like to thank you personally for your ongoing support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
and to congratulate the staff of the laboratory on the successful accreditation.
Yours very truly,
UN City, Marmorvej 51 Tel.: +45 45 33 70 00 Email:
[email protected]
DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø Fax: +45 45 33 70 01 Website: https://www.who.int/europe
Denmark
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge
Regional Director
Encl.: Accreditation Review Summary
Copy for information to:
Ms Helen Sõber, Adviser, European Union Affairs and International Co-operation Department
Ministry of Social Affairs, Suur-Ameerika 1 Tallinn 10122, Estonia
Ms Agne Nettan-Sepp, Head, European Union Affairs and International Co-operation Department
Ministry of Social Affairs, Suur-Ameerika 1 Tallinn 10129, Estonia
H.E. Ms Riia Salsa-Audiffren, Ambassador Representative of the Republic of Estonia, Permanent Mission of
the Republic of Estonia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Chemin
du Petit-Saconnex 28A Genève CH-1209, Switzerland
H.E. Mr Andre Pung, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Republic of Estonia
Frederiksgade 19, 4th floor Copenhagen K 1265, Denmark
Ms Kristina Köhler, Liaison Officer, WHO Country Office, Estonia, Paldiski Road 81 Tallinn 10617, Estonia
–2–
Laboratory: National Polio Laboratory, Tallinn, Estonia
Accreditation Review Summary
Accreditation review outcome:
Accredit: Laboratory meets all criteria
Capacity:
Virus isolation in cell culture
Intratypic differentiation by RT-PCR
Sequencing
Environmental surveillance
Provisionally accredit: Laboratory passed the most recent proficiency test, but needs to strengthen one
or more of the remaining criteria (check off relevant criteria):
Capacity:
Virus isolation in cell culture
Intratypic differentiation by RT-PCR
Sequencing
Environmental surveillance
Do not accredit: Laboratory did not pass the most recent proficiency test and/or did not meet other
performance indicators.
Capacity:
Virus isolation in cell culture
Intratypic differentiation by RT-PCR
Sequencing
Environmental surveillance
UN City, Marmorvej 51 Tel.: +45 45 33 70 00 Email:
[email protected]
DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø Fax: +45 45 33 70 01 Website: http://www.euro.who.int
Denmark
Saatja: "WEI, Xue" <
[email protected]>
Saaja: "Riina Sikkut", "Triin Uusberg", "Elen Ohov"
Teema: 2025 Accreditation of National Polio Laboratory
Kuupäev: 2024-11-25 13:08
Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga.
Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada.
Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga.
Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada.
Please see the attached correspondence sent from the World Health
Organization, Regional Office for Europe. One or more attachments may be
included.
Veuillez vous référer à la correspondance ci-jointe du Bureau régional de
l'Europe de l'Organisation mondiale de la santé. Une ou plusieurs annexes
peuvent être jointes.
Mit der Bitte um Kenntnisnahme der beiliegenden Korrespondenz (eine oder
mehrere Anlagen), Weltgesundheitsorganisation, Regionalbüro für Europa.
См. прикрепленные письма от Европейского регионального бюро Всемирной
организации здравоохранения (один или несколько прикрепленных файлов)