Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 22, LG Chem Ltd.’s polio vaccine manufacturing facility in South Korea has received a certificate of containment from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking the first such recognition in Asia, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced Tuesday.

The facility is among only three worldwide to earn WHO containment certification, following facilities in Belgium and Denmark. The certificate is awarded to facilities that meet 14 rigorous biosafety standards for the safe handling and storage of poliovirus.

Built in 2018, LG Chem’s facility has been supplying polio vaccines to UNICEF since 2021. The KDCA has supported domestic polio vaccine manufacturers in achieving WHO certification, noting that the UN requires all entities retaining poliovirus materials to complete the process by the end of 2026.

“This certification holds significant meaning as it demonstrates international recognition not only of the safety of production facilities but also of the nation's biosafety management capabilities,” the KDCA said.

The recognition positions LG Chem’s facility as a key contributor to global polio prevention efforts, ensuring that vaccines are produced under the highest safety standards. It also reflects South Korea’s growing role in international public health and vaccine production.

With this certification, the facility is expected to enhance confidence in the safety and reliability of polio vaccines supplied to global immunization programs, supporting ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease.

The achievement aligns with international standards and underscores LG Chem’s commitment to biosafety, quality, and global health initiatives, while reinforcing South Korea’s capacity to operate vaccine manufacturing facilities that meet stringent WHO requirements.

This milestone represents both a technological and operational achievement, highlighting the country’s ability to manage high-containment biological materials safely and efficiently.

Overall, the WHO certification ensures that LG Chem’s polio vaccine facility meets the highest global biosafety criteria, contributing to secure and reliable vaccine supply chains for polio eradication worldwide.