Cameroon Launches Polio Vaccination Campaign to Protect Children in Four Regions

From November 22 to 25, 2024, a vaccination campaign will take place across four regions of Cameroon: Adamaoua, East, Far North, and North. This initiative targets children between the ages of 0 and 5, marking a crucial step in the fight against this debilitating and potentially fatal disease.

Briefing Session for Media Professionals

Ahead of the widespread vaccination drive, media professionals from the Far North region recently participated in a debriefing session organized by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). The purpose of the meeting was to highlight the critical role journalists play in the fight against polio. Dr. Yaya Alhadji Adam, regional coordinator of the EPI, outlined the key components of the upcoming campaign and stressed the importance of collective mobilization. "We rely on the media to raise awareness in communities and dispel rumors that often hinder vaccination campaigns. Your role is vital in achieving optimal vaccination coverage," he emphasized.

Targeting Two Million Children

The vaccination campaign aims to reach approximately two million children in the targeted regions. Mobile vaccination teams will visit neighborhoods, villages, and even the most remote areas to administer the necessary doses. The goal is to ensure maximum vaccination coverage and protect the most vulnerable populations.

In addition to the polio vaccination, several other public health interventions will be carried out simultaneously to address various health needs. These include Vitamin A supplementation to prevent deficiencies and strengthen children’s immune systems, as well as deworming treatments to reduce parasitic infections and their impact on growth. Preventive malaria treatment will also be provided to pregnant women from the 13th week of pregnancy to reduce the risks associated with malaria, one of the leading causes of maternal and child mortality in Cameroon. Community radio broadcasts, posters, and public meetings will further reinforce these efforts.

In support of this comprehensive vaccination campaign, the Governor of the Far North Region, Midjiyawa Bakari, chaired an advocacy meeting to mobilize support for the initiative.

Global Strategy for Polio Eradication

This vaccination campaign is part of the broader global strategy to eradicate polio, led by the World Health Organization (WHO). Cameroon has made significant progress in the fight against the disease, thanks to sustained efforts. However, regular campaigns are still necessary to consolidate these gains and prevent any resurgence.

As the vaccination campaign approaches, the government’s continued commitment to public health and immunization remains a key factor in safeguarding the country’s children and ensuring long-term protection against polio.