UNICEF's U-Report Communities of Action, in partnership with S4P (Solutions for People) Group, has effectively strengthened polio vaccination awareness across ten districts in Uganda. By training youth as community mobilizers, over 14,000 parents and caregivers, along with more than 10,000 students, were reached, increasing immunization coverage and overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Leveraging innovative digital tools like the Fundoo chatbot and involving local stakeholders, the initiative successfully engaged communities, highlighting the vital role of young people in health promotion and disease prevention.
UNICEF is leveraging Cameroon's polio vaccination campaign from October 24 to 27 to address the critical issue of unregistered births, ensuring that thousands of children receive both immunization and official birth certificates. Despite Cameroonian law providing free birth registration within 90 days of birth, many parents miss this window, leaving children without legal identity. By integrating birth registration into the vaccination efforts, particularly in the Ngoumou health district and the locality of Bikok—part of UNICEF's "Child-Friendly Municipalities" initiative—the campaign aims to secure both health and identity for every child. This initiative underscores UNICEF's commitment to holistic interventions during a child's first 1,000 days, bridging the gap between the rights guaranteed by international conventions and the realities on the ground.
In the Lake Chad Basin, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Chad are synchronizing cross-border polio vaccination campaigns to ensure no child is missed in the fight against polio. From October 24 to 27, 2024, Cameroon's campaign aligns with Nigeria's efforts to combat persistent variant polioviruses. Health districts across Cameroon's Far North, N'Djamena in Chad, and Borno State in Nigeria are collaborating on strategies like "Back-to-Back" vaccinations at border crossings, data sharing, and real-time communication via WhatsApp. Despite challenges like unsynchronized campaigns with Chad and complex border points like the Ngueli Bridge, coordinated efforts involving authorities and community leaders are overcoming obstacles. Part of the 2024-2025 cross-border coordination plan by the Rapid Response Team (RRT), this initiative showcases the vital role of synchronization and collaboration in eradicating polio and moving toward a polio-free Lake Chad Basin.
The "School Without Polio" initiative in Cameroon is uniting the health and education sectors to combat polio and address vaccine hesitancy among children aged 0 to 5. Led by the NGO Family Club and supported by UNICEF, over 650 stakeholders—including 350 mobilizing teachers—have been deployed across nurseries, primary schools, Quranic schools, and Sunday schools. Through advocacy sessions in Yaoundé, Douala, and Bafoussam, the initiative tackled root causes of vaccine hesitancy, such as delayed information and lack of communication between health services, schools, and parents. Embraced by educators and school officials, the program has transformed teachers into health ambassadors, leading to visible improvements in vaccination rates and establishing a sustainable framework for collaboration between the health and education sectors in Cameroon.
Despite active conflict in Gaza in 2024, a polio vaccination campaign achieved a 97% coverage among children under ten. The Palestine Ministry of Health, supported by UNICEF, WHO, UNRWA, and Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, conducted two successful vaccination rounds in September and November. Over 1.6 million doses of nOPV2 vaccine were delivered, and Vitamin A supplementation reached 448,425 children (92.4% of eligible children). This remarkable achievement highlights the power of strong community engagement and international support in delivering essential healthcare amid conflict.
In 2023, Madagascar expanded its polio vaccination efforts to adults, targeting four high-risk regions: Vakinankaratra, Alaotra Mangoro, Analamanga, and Atsimo Andrefana. Using tailored Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies, the campaigns overcame vaccine hesitancy and logistical challenges by engaging workplaces, faith-based institutions, and public spaces. Symbolic leadership, high-level advocacy, and regional coordination ensured 97% vaccination coverage in some regions, showcasing the power of innovative SBC approaches to protect vulnerable populations.
Madagascar’s innovative polio vaccination campaigns, supported by the Ministry of National Education, integrated schools as key hubs for reaching children aged 5-14. By targeting over 7 million school-aged children, the approach utilized tailored social and behavior change (SBC) strategies to vaccinate 28% of the total vaccinated children in educational settings. School directors, teachers, and parent associations were engaged to promote vaccinations, while symbolic vaccination events in classrooms built public trust. This model highlights the crucial role schools play in driving health outcomes and advancing polio eradication efforts.
In Madagascar, the success of polio vaccination campaigns has been driven by collaboration between health authorities, community leaders, and women. Key lessons include overcoming vaccine hesitancy, engaging local leaders, and adapting strategies based on regular evaluations. These efforts are essential in achieving a polio-free future in Madagascar.
First Lady Mialy Rajoelina of Madagascar is leading the charge against polio in 2024, actively participating in vaccination campaigns and engaging with global health organizations. As the godmother of vaccination, she continues to encourage parents across Madagascar to ensure their children are vaccinated against polio and other preventable diseases.
Meet Papa Diouldé Kanté, a 70-year-old retired accountant turned social mobilizer in Guinea's Hafia 1 neighborhood. Over the past 15 years, his tireless dedication has helped ensure the success of polio vaccination campaigns in Conakry. By educating parents and protecting children, Papa Kanté has become a beacon of community health.
