In a historic and coordinated move to eliminate circulating variant poliovirus type 2 in the Lake Chad Basin, the Ministers of Health from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic (CAR), and the Republic of Niger have officially launched a synchronized regional polio vaccination campaign targeting over 83 million children under the age of five.
The vaccination drive, which kicked off on Sunday, April 20, marks a major milestone in the region’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio and safeguard vulnerable populations. The campaign will intensify between April 24 and 28, 2025, focusing on high-risk and mobile communities in border areas where virus transmission remains a significant threat.
Surge in Poliovirus Detections Sparks Urgency
In the past year alone, health authorities have detected 210 cases of variant poliovirus type 2 across Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger—140 of which resulted in paralysis. Although the Central African Republic has not reported any cases so far, experts warn that cross-border transmission poses a continual risk, emphasizing the need for collective action.
Chad has been particularly affected, with over 50% of its polio cases in 2024 traced back to strains originating in Cameroon. This interconnection underscores the critical importance of synchronized immunization campaigns across national borders.
Massive Humanitarian Effort Backed by Global Partners
To halt the spread of the virus, the campaign will deploy more than 1.1 million frontline health workers, including vaccinators, social mobilizers, and monitors. Nearly 12 million children were immunized in 2024, and this new phase aims to build on that progress.
“This initiative demonstrates our united front in the fight against polio,” said Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, Minister of Health of Chad. “The Lake Chad Basin remains a pivotal area in the global eradication effort, and through regional unity, we can achieve lasting results.”
The synchronized campaign aligns with the Africa Regional Polio Eradication Action Plan and the Polio Eradication Cross-Border Coordination Plan 2024–2025, reflecting updated strategies to tackle evolvingw epidemiological challenges.
Community and Global Support Driving Eradication Goals
The initiative is being supported by leading global health partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Rotary International. Community health workers, local leaders, and volunteers will also play essential roles in ensuring comprehensive coverage and public engagement.
The campaign coincides with African Vaccination Week, celebrated under the theme: “Immunisation for All is Humanly Po”,
