Fighting Polio : Cameroon Launches Vaccination Campaign from October 24 to 27

In response to the resurgence of poliovirus variant, Cameroon is organizing a mass vaccination campaign from October 24 to 27, 2024, across the country. The objective is to strengthen collective immunity among children under 5 years old and stop the spread of the disease.

Despite efforts made in recent years, Cameroon is facing a resurgence of poliovirus variant cases. “The poliovirus variant is circulating with two detected cases in the Batouri and Ndélélé health districts, and we all know that when there is one case of polio, it’s an epidemic,” warned Jeanlaude Napani, head of the communication section at the Expanded Program on Immunization.

To address this threat, a synchronized vaccination campaign with neighboring countries such as Nigeria, the Central African Republic, and Chad is being organized. “This campaign will take place in all 10 regions of Cameroon, targeting children from 0 to 5 years old. During the 4 days of the campaign, two drops of oral poliovirus vaccine will be administered to these children,” specified Dr. Tambasho Afizu, Head of the Epidemic Response Unit for vaccine-preventable diseases.

It is essential to note that the vaccine used during this campaign is specific to the poliovirus variant currently circulating in Cameroon. “The vaccine to be administered during this campaign is not the same as the one used during routine vaccination,” emphasized Jean-Claude Napani. He also stressed the importance of vaccinating all children, even those already vaccinated according to the usual schedule, to strengthen collective immunity.

Vaccination teams will be deployed across the country, in health facilities, households, schools, markets, and places of worship. Parents are strongly encouraged to have their children vaccinated. “Let’s protect the health and well-being of our children through vaccination!” launched the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie.

This vaccination campaign is part of a regional dynamic, in coordination with countries in the Lake Chad and Sahel regions. The goal is to eradicate the poliovirus variant from the region.

The success of this campaign relies on the mobilization of all stakeholders, including health authorities, vaccination teams, technical and financial partners, and especially parents. This is a major public health challenge for Cameroon and the region.

The media was briefed on October 18 and 19, 2024, about the vaccination campaign against polio. The goal was to inform them and invite them to a global awareness campaign to protect Cameroonian children against this virus.

Mireille Siapje

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