Ethiopia Strengthens Polio Vaccination Efforts, Reaching Over One Million Children in High-Risk Areas
Ethiopia has launched a synchronized polio vaccination campaign in collaboration with South Sudan, utilizing the bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV). This initiative, which took place from May 7 to May 10, 2026, successfully immunized over one million children under five years old in high-risk border areas and refugee camps. The campaign is a critical response to the urgent need to prevent the cross-border transmission of variant poliovirus, particularly in light of recent cases detected in South Sudan.
Context of the Vaccination Campaign
The campaign was initiated following the identification of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) in South Sudan during March and April 2026. Cases were reported near the Ethiopian border, raising alarms about the potential risk of poliovirus importation into Ethiopian communities. Given the porous borders and frequent population movements—especially among traders, pastoralists, and refugees—Ethiopian health authorities acted quickly to implement robust interventions aimed at curbing further spread.
Currently, five cases of cVDPV1 have been reported from Gambella, specifically among children in refugee camps. This situation underscores the vulnerability of these populations and the necessity for immediate vaccination efforts.
Proactive Measures and Coordination
At the campaign’s launch in Gambella, the WHO Ethiopia Representative, Professor Francis Kasolo, emphasized the proactive nature of this initiative. Delivered through Dr. Fadinding Manneh, WHO GPEI Coordinator, the message highlighted the unique context of Gambella, characterized by mobility, diversity, and strong cross-border ties. The campaign is seen as a vital opportunity to protect children in border communities and refugee settlements.
Dr. Abel Assefa, the Head of the Gambella Regional Health Bureau, stressed the urgency of the vaccination effort, noting the importance of collaboration with partners and neighboring countries. He stated that the synchronized approach is essential for safeguarding children, particularly those in high-risk areas.
Strategic Implementation and Logistics
The vaccination campaign was meticulously planned in close coordination with South Sudan to ensure synchronized implementation across the border. Preparations included detailed microplanning, mapping migration routes, and aligning operational strategies between the two nations. Support from WHO, UNICEF, and various public health institutions facilitated the development of special deployment strategies aimed at reaching mobile and hard-to-access populations.
The Ethiopian Public Health Institute, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, mobilized resources from the Gates Foundation to secure vaccine supplies and enhance logistics systems. Preliminary data indicates that 1,026,885 children received the bOPV during this campaign, achieving a coverage rate of 101%.
Role of WHO and Surveillance Enhancements
WHO has played a pivotal role in the implementation of the vaccination campaign by providing financial support for operational costs and technical expertise for planning, training, and monitoring. This included enhancing the skills of vaccinators and supervisors, conducting cold chain assessments to maintain vaccine potency, and implementing real-time monitoring systems for performance improvement.
Additionally, the campaign integrated essential health services, such as identifying and linking zero-dose and under-vaccinated children to routine immunization, as well as screening for other health issues like tuberculosis. This holistic approach aims to strengthen the overall health infrastructure while addressing the immediate threat of poliovirus transmission.
Commitment to Global Health Goals
Ethiopia’s vaccination campaign reflects its ongoing commitment to the global goal of polio eradication and the protection of vulnerable populations. By acting swiftly and in coordination with neighboring countries, Ethiopia aims to prevent the importation and spread of poliovirus, thereby reinforcing resilience in high-risk areas. Authorities have reiterated their determination to reach every child and sustain efforts beyond this initial round through enhanced routine immunization and cross-border collaboration.
The successful implementation of this synchronized vaccination campaign has been bolstered by the Gates Foundation’s commitment to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. This support has been crucial in ensuring that life-saving vaccines reach children in high-risk, underserved, and mobile populations, thereby significantly contributing to Ethiopia’s efforts to control poliovirus and protect vulnerable communities.
Protecting children from polio is not just a national priority; it is a shared regional and global responsibility.
Source: www.zawya.com
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