Five African countries unveil joint polio vaccination for 83 million children
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate vaccinating a child during the launch of the campaign in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. Photo credit: Facebook, ministère de la santé publique du tchad
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate vaccinating a child during the launch of the campaign in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. Photo credit: Facebook, ministère de la santé publique du tchad
Lara Adejoro
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Ministers of Health from Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria have launched a synchronised regional vaccination campaign aimed at protecting 83 million children under the age of five.
A press statement posted on the World Health Organisation’s website noted that the campaign was launched on Thursday.
The WHO said the initiative marks a crucial milestone in the fight against variant poliovirus type 2, which continues to pose a threat to millions of children across the region.
Over the past 12 months, variant poliovirus type 2 has been detected both in the environment (wastewater samples) and among affected individuals in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. A total of 210 detections have been reported across these four countries, 140 of which resulted in paralysis. Although no cases have been reported in CAR so far, these findings underscore the ongoing risk of cross-border transmission and the pressing need for coordinated regional action.
“Over 50 per cent of the polio cases reported in Chad in 2024 are linked to the strain circulating in Cameroon, underlining the importance of coordination and synchronisation of polio response efforts.
“Nearly 12 million children were vaccinated last year through mass immunisation campaigns to halt the spread of the virus,” the statement read in part.
It said that to further strengthen immunity and curb transmission, a synchronised polio vaccination campaign will take place from April 24 to 28 2025, targeting high-risk and mobile populations in border areas where surveillance indicators have remained below target.
It noted that the campaign is part of a broader strategy to ensure all children are protected, regardless of location or movement patterns.
It revealed that the round is supported by an estimated 1.1 million frontline workers (including vaccinators, social mobilisers, and monitors) dedicated to protecting every last child.
“The Lake Chad Basin remains a critical area in our fight against polio. By coming together as a region, we reinforce our commitment to ending polio once and for all,” said the Minister of Health of Chad, Dr Abdelmadjid Abderahim.
As part of the launch, the Ministers of Health will hold a closed-door meeting to discuss challenges, review epidemiological data, and strengthen cross-border cooperation.
“The event aligns with the Africa Regional Polio Eradication Action Plan and the Polio Eradication Cross-Border Coordination Plan 2024–2025, endorsed in August 2024 and updated in February 2025 to adapt to the evolving epidemiological situation on the ground—underscoring the region’s united commitment to protecting every child.
“Global health partners, including WHO, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Rotary International, will join the effort, reaffirming their commitment to polio eradication. Community health workers, local leaders, and volunteers will also play a vital role in ensuring the campaign’s success. This event will coincide with African Vaccination Week under the theme ‘Immunisation for all is humanly possible.’
The polio eradication initiative in the Lake Chad Basin demonstrates the power of collaboration in global health. By working together, governments, partners, and communities can ensure a polio-free future for children in the region and beyond,” it added.
