The vaccination campaign launched in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger is spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO). This multi-country initiative aims to address the prevalent issue of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus and strengthen immunization efforts in West and Central Africa.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to protect children in the region from the debilitating effects of polio.
The campaign seeks to immunize a staggering 21 million children under the age of five across the three countries. By focusing on this vulnerable age group, the aim is to ensure that a significant portion of the population receives vital protection against the virus.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) provides crucial backing for the multi-country initiative. This comprehensive approach involves synchronized vaccinations and collaborative strategies implemented in border communities to halt the transmission of polio.GPEI, established in 1988 with WHO as a founding member, embarked on a global mission to eradicate polio. This ambitious endeavor necessitated widespread vaccination campaigns to reach every child. The year 2023 holds great significance for GPEI as it serves as the target year to interrupt the remaining transmission chains of wild poliovirus type 1 and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. These goals are outlined in the GPEI Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026.
The Lake Chad basin : The Lake Chad basin stands out as a region with a high percentage of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children worldwide. Recognizing this, the campaign places special emphasis on strengthening immunization activities in this vulnerable area.The Chad Basin, which encompasses Lake Chad, is Africa’s largest closed drainage basin. It lacks a connection to the ocean and consists of extensive semi-arid desert and savanna regions. This basin extends across eight nations, including a significant portion of Niger and most of Chad. Additionally, Algeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Libya, Nigeria, and Sudan are among the other countries encompassed within this geographical region.
The main objective of the vaccination drive is to reinforce immunization activities. Community health workers play a crucial role in achieving this goal by administering vaccines in various settings, including homes, religious centers, markets, and schools. By doing so, the campaign ensures that immunization reaches even the most remote and underserved communities.