African nations unite to to immunize millions of children against polio

Regional campaign aims to eradicate circulating poliovirus type 2 in five countries

MNTV News Desk — Health Ministers from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and the Central African Republic have launched a synchronized vaccination campaign to immunize 83 million children under the age of five against variant poliovirus type 2, a persistent threat in the Lake Chad Basin.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over the past year, variant poliovirus type 2 has been detected in environmental samples and among individuals in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. 

A total of 210 cases have been confirmed, with 140 leading to paralysis. While the Central African Republic has not reported cases, its proximity to affected nations highlights the risk of cross-border transmission.

The initiative, running from April 24 to 28, 2025, focuses on high-risk and mobile populations in border areas where polio surveillance remains below targets. 

Nearly 1.1 million frontline workers, including vaccinators, social mobilizers, and monitors, are mobilized to ensure every child is reached.

Last year’s campaigns vaccinated 12 million children, significantly curbing the spread of the virus. 

However, the persistence of cross-border transmission—particularly between Chad and Cameroon—emphasizes the need for coordinated action.

This synchronized campaign is a critical step in strengthening immunity and advancing the goal of eradicating polio in the region. 

Health officials stress the importance of vaccinating all children, regardless of their location or movement patterns, to prevent further outbreaks.