Summary This article details the journey of Félix Yvon Béfio from a staunch opponent of vaccination to a community hero advocating for child health in Bossangoa’s Nguébé neighborhood. Quick Links Introduction Change of Heart Community Impact Community Hero: How Félix Yvon Béfio Became a Vanguard for Child Health in Bossangoa Félix Yvon Béfio, a father of five in Bossangoa’s Nguébé neighborhood, was once a staunch opponent of vaccinating his children, not due to a lack of awareness about the benefits but because of negative experiences with healthcare providers. “I was frustrated because when a
Summary This article highlights the efforts of local leaders in Guinea, particularly through the ‘Godparents for Vaccination’ initiative, supported by UNICEF Guinea, to increase polio vaccination rates in underserved communities. Championing Change: Local Leaders Spearhead Vital Polio Vaccination Campaign in Guinea Moussa is a 25-year-old man from a polygamous family with three siblings. Originally from Siguiri, he is single without children and holds a degree in International Relations from IMAT University, fluent in both English and French. The ‘Godparents for Vaccination’ initiative
Summary This article outlines Benin's innovative approach to polio eradication, highlighting community engagement and digital innovation during the response campaign from February 2 to 5, 2024. Quick Links Background Campaign Preparation Campaign Implementation Campaign Results Benin's Pioneering Approach to Polio Eradication: Community Engagement and Digital Innovation Drive Success Information Note on the Implementation of the Polio Response Campaign from February 2 to 5, 2024 As part of the global initiative to eradicate polio, Benin organized a response campaign against the 27 cases of
Summary This article highlights the efforts of frontline heroes in Sudan’s Red Sea State to vaccinate every child against polio, despite challenges posed by conflict and displacement. Quick Links Campaign Launch Reaching Children in Remote Areas Success Stories GPEI Background in Sudan Frontline Heroes: Reaching Every Child in Sudan’s Red Sea State Going the extra mile to stop poliovirus spread It’s day one of the polio vaccination campaign in Sudan’s Red Sea State, where poliovirus was detected in sewage samples earlier in 2024. At the crack of dawn, vaccinators set off with their vaccine
Summary This article by Fungma Fudong and Shorai Nyambalo-Ng’ambi highlights the dedication of UNICEF staff in Malawi who traded office work for fieldwork to support the polio campaign. Quick Links In The Field for a Cause Personal Stories Collaboration and Success In The Field for a Cause: In Malawi, Colleagues Trade Office Work for Fieldwork to Support the Polio Campaign By: Fungma Fudong - Chief Advocacy and Communications & Shorai Nyambalo-Ng’ambi – SBC Specialist In March 2022, Malawi responded to its first wild poliovirus outbreak in 30 years, by launching a nationwide vaccination
Summary This article by Shorai Nyambalo-Ng’ambi, a SBC Specialist at UNICEF Malawi, shares her personal and professional journey in the fight against polio in Malawi. Author: Shorai Nyambalo-Ng’ambi – SBC Specialist, UNICEF Malawi 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
Summary This article tells the story of Fatuma Mohamed Ahmed, a dedicated community health mobilizer in Nairobi, and her efforts to combat polio through community engagement and education. Quick Links Fatuma's Story Community Challenges Government and UNICEF Efforts Conclusion On the Frontlines: Mobilizing Nairobi's Communities Against Polio At the heart of Eastleigh, Nairobi, is Fatuma Mohamed Ahmed, a 28-year-old compassionate UNICEF supported community health mobilizer to making a positive impact in her community during polio campaigns. Draped in a modest Hijab, Fatuma not only upholds
Summary This article discusses the success story of overcoming misinformation and engaging communities in Zimbabwe's polio vaccination campaign through strategic Social and Behavior Change (SBC) interventions. Quick Links Background Combating Misinformation Faith-Based Support Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy Impact and Success Success Story – Overcoming Misinformation and Engaging Communities in Zimbabwe's Polio Vaccination Campaign 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
Summary This article discusses the success story of overcoming challenges with community empowerment in Zimbabwe, focusing on ensuring all children are vaccinated through innovative Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies. Quick Links Background Case Study: Beitbridge Case Study: Bulawayo Conclusion Success Story – Overcoming Challenges with Community Empowerment: Bridging the Gap to Ensure All Children are Vaccinated in Zimbabwe In 2023, the resurgence of circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus 2 (cVDPV2) in Harare marked a critical juncture for public health in Zimbabwe. The Ministry of
Summary This article discusses community-based strategies for managing polio misinformation in South Sudan, highlighting the challenges, strategies, and results of these efforts. Quick Links Background Challenges Strategies Results Community-Based Strategies for Managing Polio Misinformation in South Sudan In the heart of South Sudan, amidst ongoing health challenges, lies a formidable effort to eradicate polio, revitalized by innovative community engagement strategies. The Integrated Community Mobiliser Network (ICMN), backed by UNICEF's Social Behavior Change initiatives, has played a
