Visionary Reports

As the July 9–12, 2026 National Immunization Days draw near, health authorities in the Littoral Region have enlisted journalists and digital content creators in the fight against misinformation surrounding the polio vaccine.During a media briefing held on July 3 at the Conference Hall of the Littoral Regional Delegation of Public Health in Bonanjo, radio and television journalists, print reporters, and bloggers were urged to become trusted voices in educating the public ahead of the SASNIM/JVL polio vaccination campaign.

The meeting, led by Littoral Regional Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Coordinator Léonard Ewane, together with central supervisors and technical partners, highlighted the growing threat posed by false information about vaccines. Officials warned that misinformation continues to discourage parents from vaccinating their children, putting communities at risk of preventable outbreaks.Polio remains a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under five. Although infected children may initially appear healthy, the virus silently attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis. Since there is no cure for polio, vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children.Health experts explained that the virus spreads mainly through contaminated food, water, and poor hygiene, making both immunization and proper sanitation essential in breaking the chain of transmission.Journalists attending the briefing were tasked with informing communities that every child aged 0–59 months should receive the free oral polio vaccine during the campaign. They were also encouraged to promote regular handwashing, safe drinking water, and to actively challenge false claims suggesting that the vaccine causes infertility or is being used for experimentation.According to health officials, these unfounded rumors continue to undermine vaccination efforts and allow the poliovirus to circulate. They stressed that the media has a critical responsibility to verify information, educate the public, and build confidence in immunization.The Ministry of Public Health reassures parents that the oral polio vaccine is safe, effective, free of charge, and takes only a few seconds to administer.From July 9 to 12, vaccination teams will visit homes, markets, schools, and communities across the Littoral Region to ensure that every eligible child is protected.The appeal from health authorities is clear: welcome vaccination teams, seek information from credible sources, and help stop the spread of misinformation. In the fight against polio, accurate information can save lives, just as two drops of vaccine can protect a child from lifelong paralysis.

By VisionaryReports