In the remote mountain village of Samarbagh, Nuristan, children face heightened risks of polio due to malnutrition, low vaccination coverage, and poor access to basic healthcare. The story of two-year-old Roqia, who contracted polio earlier this year, highlights the critical need for comprehensive interventions that address nutrition, immunization, and sanitation in these isolated communities. With new combined efforts in polio vaccination, nutrition, and WASH programs showing success in other high-risk areas, there is hope that similar approaches will protect vulnerable children in Nuristan.

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In Pakistan, the uInfluence initiative is empowering young people to tackle vaccine misinformation, a major barrier to eradication efforts. By leveraging digital platforms, youth influencers are spreading accurate information about vaccines, addressing common myths, and engaging communities to increase vaccine acceptance. The first in-person uInfluence event in Lahore brought together over 50 influencers to connect digital advocacy with real-world health outcomes, highlighting the critical role of youth in supporting polio eradication efforts.

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In Cameroon’s Littoral region, UNICEF and its partners successfully protected children through efficient cold chain management and vaccine distribution during the yellow fever vaccination campaign. Drawing from similar polio eradication efforts, social listening also played a vital role in addressing misinformation and rebuilding public trust.

• Explore the details behind the yellow fever response and its connection to polio efforts in Cameroon. READ

• Learn how swift action and community engagement, supported by social listening, helped build confidence in vaccines across both campaigns. READ

In Djougou, local leaders are stepping up to fight against polio. King SAYO BOUKARI Fousséni’s commitment to ensuring that every child in his royal compound is vaccinated has set a powerful example for the entire community. Explore how the leadership of King Fousséni in Kparsi transformed vaccination efforts and led to a successful polio response.

For a unique glimpse into the work of polio officers, watch these firsthand recordings of community sessions, where dedicated workers are on the frontlines of vaccination efforts:

Video 1 and Video 2.

In the face of conflict and displacement, Sudan’s community trust committees are tackling vaccine hesitancy head-on. Through their tireless efforts, dedicated members like Samira and Zahra are reversing refusals and building vaccine confidence in the most marginalized communities. Discover how these trust-building committees, supported by UNICEF and partners, are ensuring that every child under five receives lifesaving polio vaccines.

After a seven-year gap, polio vaccination campaigns have returned to Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where conflict and unrest have disrupted routine immunization. With UNICEF and WHO's support, social mobilizers are playing a key role in reaching remote areas, overcoming logistical challenges, and ensuring that every child receives lifesaving polio vaccines. Discover how these dedicated efforts, including the use of donkeys to transport vaccines to hard-to-reach areas, are protecting 1.7 million children from polio in the region. 

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has launched Team End Polio, bringing together athletes, global leaders, and advocates to promote social and behavioral change in the fight against polio. By leveraging their influence on social media and at major sporting events, these champions aim to combat misinformation, encourage vaccine acceptance, and rally communities to support polio eradication. With 99.9% of cases already reduced, the final push requires continued efforts to shift attitudes and behaviors in the remaining affected areas. Learn how Team End Polio is raising awareness and how you can get involved at teamendpolio.org.

UNICEF staff can now build essential knowledge management skills through the Knowledge Management for UNICEF Results (Basics) eCourse. This course covers key concepts, the value of KM, practical tools, and approaches, and how to apply KM in office settings. With five modules, it’s designed for all staff, especially KM focal points and managers, to enhance their ability to support and implement KM practices. The course takes about 60 minutes, with an extra 30 minutes for those wanting to dive deeper into examples and tools. Enroll

A modern classic by Nobel Prize winner, this book explores how small changes in the way choices are presented can lead to better health decisions. Its insights into behavior change offer valuable lessons for polio eradication efforts, from increasing vaccine acceptance to promoting positive health practices.