For me, the fight against polio in Malawi isn't just professional—it's profoundly personal. As a mother of three young children, I don't just advocate for vaccinations; I ensure my own children are protected against polio with every necessary dose. Yet, my role extends far beyond my household. At UNICEF Malawi, I contribute technical expertise to the government's social mobilization plans and supervise intense week-long vaccination campaigns across the nation, having participated in all five rounds so far. In the field, each interaction with children and their caregivers underscores the vital
In 2023, Zimbabwe faced a critical public health emergency with the outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived polio virus type 2 (cVDPV2), prompting the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) to respond decisively. The government implemented two rounds of vaccinations with the novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) starting in early 2024, but the campaign faced significant obstacles in misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. Combating Misinformation Through Strategic Media Engagement At the onset of the vaccination campaign, misleading information rapidly spread across social media platforms
In 2023, Zimbabwe grappled with a significant public health crisis following the detection of circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus 2 (cVDPV2) from three out of five Polio Environmental Surveillance sites in Harare. This discovery was particularly concerning as it coincided with a resurgence of other vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and diphtheria, alongside a cholera outbreak, further straining the public health infrastructure. In response, on October 26, 2023, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) declared the cVDPV2 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of
Explore Issue 18 of the Global Polio SBC Newsletter, March 2024. This issue shines a light on the brave women leading the fight against polio and brings updates from across the globe, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, and several African nations. Highlights include unique vaccination campaigns, personal stories from polio survivors who are now advocates, and efforts to tackle misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. Check out the full newsletter for inspiring stories and valuable insights on eradicating polio.
