From local heroes leading vaccination efforts to groundbreaking digital engagement strategies, 2024 was a year of bold action in the fight against polio. Across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, governments, communities, and health workers tackled challenges head-on—overcoming vaccine hesitancy, improving hygiene, and reaching the hardest-to-access children.
Here’s a look at the most powerful stories that shaped polio eradication efforts in 2024.
Mothers, Mayors, and Local Champions: Leading the Fight Against Polio
A Mother’s Mission: From Personal Tragedy to Advocacy in the DRC
When Aloki Konga’s daughter was diagnosed with polio, her world shattered. But she turned pain into purpose, becoming a trusted voice in her community. By going door-to-door, Aloki has helped parents overcome fears and ensure their children are protected. Read how one mother’s fight is inspiring a movement.
The Mayor of Bena Leka: A Leadership Model for Community-Driven Immunization
In Bena Leka, DRC, Mayor Roger NTUMBA didn’t just support the polio vaccination campaign—he led it. Personally administering vaccines, rallying religious leaders, and using local radio, his hands-on approach built trust and dramatically increased vaccine uptake.
Malawi: When Office Teams Became Field Workers
In Malawi, UNICEF staff stepped out of their offices and into the field to support the national polio campaign. Across the country, 41 staff members were deployed to monitor, report, and support frontline vaccination teams. Braving long distances, harsh weather, and logistical challenges, they worked alongside health workers to ensure every child was reached. This hands-on approach not only strengthened polio eradication efforts but also deepened understanding of the challenges faced by those on the frontlines of immunization.
Strategic Breakthroughs: How Countries Tackled Barriers to Immunization
Zimbabwe’s Data-Driven Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Strategy
Facing a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, Zimbabwe deployed a robust SBC approach to combat misinformation, track refusals, and improve outreach. By using social mapping, real-time data, and village health workers, the campaign ensured children received life-saving vaccines.
Benin’s Digital and Community Mobilization Model
In Benin, digital innovation and local leadership combined to overcome vaccine refusals. Targeted campaigns, interactive digital tools, and strong community engagement resulted in over 1.4 million children receiving the polio vaccine.
Afghanistan’s Integrated WASH and Polio Initiative: A Game-Changer
Polio thrives in poor sanitation conditions. In Chardei Village, Afghanistan, immunization alone wasn’t enough—so UNICEF and WHO launched a hygiene transformation initiative alongside vaccination. In just months, handwashing rates surged from 13% to 95%, and latrine use jumped from 30% to 70%, breaking the cycle of transmission.
Digital Solutions and Youth Engagement: Fighting Misinformation and Mobilizing Action
uInfluence: Youth Mobilizing Against Misinformation and Supporting Vaccination
Misinformation remains one of the greatest threats to polio eradication. To counter this, uInfluence, a UNICEF-led initiative, is empowering young people to become digital advocates for immunization. Bringing together public health professionals and social media influencers, uInfluence trained volunteers to counter misinformation and promote polio vaccination online.
At uInfluence Lahore 2024, over 50 young social media influencers gathered to learn how to counter vaccine misinformation and encourage vaccination uptake. They met frontline workers, visited polio immunization posts, and saw firsthand the effort required to reach every child. Their mission? Use their platforms to spread truth over fear.
Now, uInfluence is expanding, with the next meetup planned in a polio outbreak country. Digital advocacy is proving to be a game-changer in immunization efforts. Find out how you can join the movement.
Uganda’s U-Reporters: Digital Mobilization for Immunization
Young volunteers took to social media, chatbots, and schools to counter misinformation and boost vaccine confidence. With over 14,000 parents and 10,000 students engaged, the campaign showcased the power of digital youth leadership in public health.
Polio Eradication in Emergency and Conflict Settings
Yemen’s Resilience: Reaching 1.2 Million Children Despite Conflict
Against the odds, health workers and community mobilizers ensured 1.2 million children were vaccinated in war-affected areas. Through door-to-door efforts, awareness campaigns, and parent education, Yemen’s polio program demonstrated the power of collaboration.
Sudan: Reaching Children Amid Conflict and Displacement
In Sudan, ongoing conflict and displacement have made reaching children with polio vaccines more challenging than ever. Despite these barriers, health workers and community mobilizers have adapted their strategies, using local networks, rapid response teams, and mobile vaccination units to ensure children in conflict-affected areas receive immunization. By working closely with community leaders and leveraging trust-based engagement, Sudan’s polio teams are demonstrating resilience in delivering vaccines even in the most unstable environments.
Gaza: Immunizing Children in a Humanitarian Emergency
In Gaza, the ongoing humanitarian crisis has added immense strain to health services, yet efforts to immunize children against polio have continued. Through coordinated emergency response plans, targeted outreach, and strong community engagement, UNICEF and partners have worked to ensure that children—especially those in displacement camps and conflict zones—are not left vulnerable to the virus. The dedication of frontline workers in navigating these challenges highlights the unwavering commitment to keeping every child protected, no matter the circumstances.
Discover more powerful stories from the frontlines of polio eradication and social behavior change
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