United Against Polio: Nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign Kicks Off in Liberia

The Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners has commenced a four-day nationwide polio campaign, which begins on May 10, 2024, with the aim of responding to an outbreak of the circulating vaccine derived polio virus type 2. This crucial campaign is conducted concurrently with Sierra Leone, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. The cross-border initiative aims to immunize all eligible children, including those crossing national boundaries.

The campaign's primary objective is to protect the health of children under the age of 5 years by ensuring 859,091 children are vaccinated. The administration of the nOPV2 polio vaccine is pivotal in halting the spread of the polio virus circulation.

Over 1,700 dedicated health workers will drive the campaign, employing a multifaceted approach. These professionals will work closely with communities, spreading vital information about the importance of immunization, and administering vaccines from house to house. Vaccines will also be administered at health facilities in various locations.

“Today, we stand united with our neighboring countries in West Africa as we embark on a synchronized polio immunization campaign. We believe this collective effort will bolster the protection of our children,” said Dr. Catherine Cooper, Liberia's Chief Medical Officer. “The Government of Liberia is committed to supporting international efforts aimed at eradicating polio from our world. We urge our health workers to leave no child unvaccinated during their rounds. We also call upon our parents and communities to lend their full support. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of our country.”

In solidarity with Liberia’s efforts, representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to offer their support throughout the campaign.

“Today marks a significant step forward in our collective fight against polio, “said Andy Brooks, UNICEF Representative in Liberia. “I am deeply moved by the dedication and commitment shown by everyone involved in this nationwide campaign. Our goal is clear - to ensure that every child under the age of five is vaccinated and protected from this debilitating disease. We believe that every child, no matter where they live, has the right to a healthy future. This campaign is not just about administering vaccines; it’s about safeguarding the future of Liberia’s children. Together, we can kick Polio out of Liberia.”

Echoing this sentiment, the WHO Representative in Liberia, Dr. Clement Peter, stated “Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, and through collective action, we can overcome polio. The success of this campaign hinges on community engagement and awareness. Together, we can empower parents and caregivers to make informed decisions about their children's health as we propel towards a polio-free Liberia”.

Reflecting on Liberia's commitment to public health, Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, urged parents and caregivers to prioritize their children's vaccination. "We implore all parents and guardians to avail themselves of this opportunity to safeguard the health and future of our children. Together, we can eliminate the threat of polio and build a healthier, more resilient Liberia."

This campaign marks a significant milestone in Liberia's ongoing efforts to protect its citizens from Vaccine Preventable Diseases, thanks to the unwavering support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, GAVI- The Vaccine Alliance, Rotary International and partners.