A major polio vaccination initiative is currently being conducted in the Lake Chad Basin, with the goal of immunizing 83 million children under the age of five against the circulating variant of poliovirus type 2. This coordinated effort, initiated by health ministers from Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, represents a significant advance in the battle to eliminate polio in the region.
In the past year, poliovirus has been identified in environmental samples and among individuals in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, resulting in a concerning rise in paralysis cases. Although the Central African Republic has not yet reported any cases, the potential for cross-border transmission remains significant. This situation underscores the critical need for regional collaboration and coordinated efforts to combat the spread of the virus.
This campaign builds on the successes of prior initiatives. In the past year, nearly 12 million children in the region were vaccinated against polio. The upcoming campaign, scheduled for April 24th to 28th, 2025, will specifically target high-risk and mobile populations residing in border areas. By adopting this focused strategy, we aim to enhance immunity and prevent further transmission of the virus, ensuring that all children are safeguarded, regardless of their location.
More than one million healthcare professionals, including vaccinators and community mobilizers, are actively participating in this vital initiative. Health ministers from the involved countries will convene to address challenges, review the latest data on the virus’s transmission, and enhance cross-border collaboration. This campaign is an integral component of a broader regional and global strategy aimed at eradicating polio, in line with both the Africa Regional Polio Eradication Action Plan and the Polio Eradication Cross-Border Coordination Plan for 2024-2025.
The campaign is backed by approximately 1.1 million frontline workers, including vaccinators, social mobilizers, and monitors, all committed to ensuring the protection of every single child.
“The Lake Chad Basin remains a critical area in our fight against polio. By coming together as a region, we reinforce our commitment to ending polio once and for all,” said the Minister of Health of Chad, Hon. Dr Abdelmadjid Abderahim.
The polio eradication initiative in the Lake Chad Basin serves as a powerful example of the transformative impact of collaboration in global health. Through united efforts, governments, organizations, and local communities can foster a healthier future for children in the region while making significant strides toward a world free from polio.