WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTÉ
WELTGESUNDHEITSORGANISATION Date: 4 March 2026
ВСЕМИРНАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ ЗДРАВООХРАНЕНИЯ
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE Ms Helen Sõber
BUREAU RÉGIONAL DE L’EUROPE Adviser
REGIONALBÜRO FÜR EUROPA
ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЕ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЕ БЮРО European Union Affairs and International Co-
operation Department
Head office:
Ministry of Social Affairs
UN City, Marmorvej 51,
DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Suur-Ameerika 1 Tallinn 10122
Tel.: +45 45 33 70 00; Fax: +45 45 33 70 01 Estonia
Email:
[email protected]
Website: https://www.who.int/europe
Dear Ms Sõber,
Accreditation visit to the WHO National Polio Laboratory,
Tallinn, 9-10 June 2026
Polio eradication is a priority goal for the WHO European Region, as reflected in the European
Immunization Agenda 2030. High-quality, comprehensive epidemiological surveillance of disease
cases, carried out with the support of laboratory services, is essential for successful disease monitoring
and for evaluation of efforts to ensure progress towards eradication.
WHO coordinates the global network of diagnostic laboratories for polio and guarantees the high quality
of their work through its accreditation programme. The accreditation programme consists of an annual
review of the quality of laboratories, including external quality assessments and periodic visits to
laboratories by the WHO coordinator and/or their representative.
In this context, I have the pleasure to confirm the forthcoming visit of Dr Eugene Saxentoff, Coordinator
of the WHO European Regional Polio Laboratory Network, Regional Office for Europe, on 9-10 June
2026, to conduct an on-site accreditation visit to the WHO National Polio Laboratory at the Health
Board of Estonia, Tallinn. The dates of the visit have been coordinated with the laboratory staff (Head
of Laboratory Dr. Oksana Joamets) and were found to be convenient by them.
The accreditation process includes a review of the laboratory’s infrastructure, procedures, work
practices and activities. Moreover, it will provide an opportunity to exchange information, discuss issues
related to polio surveillance and to collaboration with WHO.
Dr Eugene Saxentoff (
[email protected]) can be contacted for questions and additional information.
I would be grateful for any assistance that you are able to extend to them during their mission and wish
to thank you for your continued support to the polio eradication programme.
Sincerely yours,
a.i.
Dr Ihor Perehinets
Health Security and Regional Emergency Director
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
Copy for information to:
Ms Agne Nettan-SeppHeadEuropean Union Affairs and International Co-operation DepartmentMinistry of
Social AffairsSuur-Ameerika 1 Tallinn 10129Estonia
H.E. Ms Riia Salsa-AudiffrenAmbassador Representative of the Republic of EstoniaPermanent Mission of the
Republic of Estonia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in GenevaChemin du
Petit-Saconnex 28A Genève CH-1209Switzerland
H.E. Mr Andre PungAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryEmbassy of the Republic of
EstoniaFrederiksgade 19, 4th floor Copenhagen K 1265Denmark
Ms Kristina KöhlerLiaison OfficerWHO Country Office, EstoniaPaldiski Road 81 Tallinn 10617Estonia
–2–
Saatja: "WHO Europe Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization Programme" <
[email protected]>
Saaja: "Helen Sõber - SOM" <
[email protected]>
Teema: Accreditation visit to the WHO National Polio Laboratory, Tallinn, 9-10 June 2026
Kuupäev: 2026-03-05 07:09
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).