Riding his motorbike through Mozambique’s Mocuba district, Nunes Calisto João rallies caregivers to vaccinate their children against polio. As a trusted social mobilizer, pastor, and member of local health committees, he engages communities in 40 neighborhoods—overcoming rumors, distance, and reliance on traditional medicine. "I have faith that, with the efforts of organizations and the community, we will continue to protect our children and eradicate polio once and for all," says Nunes Calisto João, a tireless social mobilizer supporting polio response activities in Mocuba district, Zambezia
In Conakry’s Matam commune, private schools once denied polio vaccinators entry due to mistrust and unclear directives. Thanks to a dynamic advocacy campaign and the commitment of local education authorities, children in these schools are now receiving the life-saving polio vaccine—showcasing the power of coordinated engagement.
When parents in a small private school resisted the polio vaccine out of fear, principal Fatoumata Diakité stepped up to bridge the gap between health workers and the community. Radio broadcasts, clear communication, and her personal engagement turned skepticism into acceptance—completely eliminating refusals and inspiring other schools to follow her lead.
In Kindia, Guinea, community fears about vaccination were addressed not through traditional top-down approaches, but through genuine grassroots dialogue. Beneath the village's communal tree, health workers, elders, religious leaders, and mothers openly confronted misinformation, turning a space for discussion into a powerful catalyst for trust. Mariama Diallo's personal journey from vaccine hesitancy to confidence exemplifies the transformative impact of listening, empathy, and local voices in overcoming resistance and protecting children's health.
In Guinea, a groundbreaking alliance between religious leaders and health workers is transforming polio vaccination from a public health initiative into a collective act of faith and responsibility. Under the dedicated leadership of Dr. Diallo, Senior Advisor for Religious Affairs in Conakry, places of worship have become powerful platforms for advocacy, leveraging trusted religious voices to overcome misinformation and fear. This unique partnership not only boosts vaccination coverage but strengthens community solidarity, demonstrating how unity between spiritual guidance and health promotion
In the village of Tewaou, Benin, the fight against polio faced a silent challenge: parents' deep-seated fears and misinformation about vaccines. Yet, through the dedication of community health worker Zoumatou Zato, these fears were transformed into trust and action. This story underscores the power of personalized community dialogue in shifting attitudes, emphasizing the importance of empowering local voices—especially mothers—to lead their communities toward healthier futures.
On March 8, International Women’s Day, we celebrate the dedication and resilience of women working to eradicate polio across the globe. From frontline health workers to community mobilizers, their leadership is instrumental in overcoming challenges and reaching every child with life-saving vaccines. These stories highlight the invaluable contributions of women in the fight against polio and showcase their determination to create a healthier future for all.
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.
