Visionary Reports

In response to a confirmed outbreak of poliovirus type 2 variant (cVDPV2) in the Lake Chad Basin, the Government of Cameroon, in collaboration with regional partners, has announced two nationwide immunization campaigns. The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, announced the initiative following the identification of cVDPV2 cases in the health districts of Ndélélé, Batouri, Ngaoundéré Urbain, Deido, Vélé, and Kousseri, signaling a significant risk of wider circulation of the polio variant throughout Cameroon

.The Ministry of Health has scheduled the first round of vaccination for April 24-27, 2025, and the second for May 29-June 1, 2025. These campaigns aim to strengthen herd immunity among children under five years of age and effectively stop the spread of cVDPV2 in the Lake Chad Basin region, which includes Niger, Nigeria, Central African Republic and Chad.

During the campaigns, all children aged 0-5 years will receive two drops of oral polio vaccine (OPV). Vaccination teams will be strategically deployed across the country, working in health facilities, conducting door-to-door visits, and setting up stations in public places such as schools, markets, places of worship, and community centers.Recognizing the vulnerability of certain populations, special efforts will be made to reach indigenous communities, nomadic groups, refugees, internally displaced persons, and those residing in border regions. Prior to the vaccination drive, community mobilizers will conduct extensive outreach to educate parents on the importance and safety of the polio vaccine.

Nevertheless,Minister Malachie urges all parents to participate actively in these free vaccination campaigns and to ensure their children adhere to the national immunization schedule. “Protecting the health and well-being of our children is paramount,” he emphasized, highlighting the critical role of widespread participation in eradicating this preventable disease.

By Henry Wana