Third Round of Polio Vaccination Campaign Completed in Sierra Leone: Safeguarding Every Child's Future

Third Round of Polio Vaccination Campaign Completed in Sierra Leone: Safeguarding Every Child's Future

Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and other global partners, successfully concluded the third round of the nationwide polio vaccination campaign. Conducted from September 27 to 30, 2024, this phase covered all regions except the Western Area districts, which followed from October 11 to 14, 2024. 

Building on the success of the first two campaigns in May and June 2024, the third round targeted 1,732,947 children aged 0-5 years. Exceeding expectations, 1,887,043 children were vaccinated, achieving an exceptional coverage rate of 109%. This impressive outcome reflects the dedication of healthcare workers and the active engagement of communities across the nation.

The campaign’s launch was marked by a press briefing at the Emergency Operations Centre in Freetown on September 24, 2024. Deputy Minister of Health 1, Prof. Dr. Charles Senessie, highlighted the campaign’s critical importance. “This initiative goes beyond combating polio; it is about securing the health and future of every child in Sierra Leone,” he stated. Prof. Senessie called on parents, guardians, community leaders, and healthcare workers to ensure every eligible child received the vaccine, emphasizing that “every vaccine administered brings us closer to eradicating this disease for good.”

This campaign was particularly vital as cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) continued to pose a global challenge. Strengthening Sierra Leone’s polio outbreak response, the initiative aimed to protect the youngest members of society from this preventable disease.

Dr. Innocent Bright Nuwagira, WHO Country Representative in Sierra Leone, stressed "Vaccinating every child is more critical than ever to safeguard their future. With the support of Global Polio Elimination Partners such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the European Investment Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the FCDO (UK), WHO is ensuring timely digital payments for all involved in this campaign. These vaccines are safe, effective, and save lives by providing a protective shield against diseases."

Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the NPHA, emphasized the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy through accurate information sharing. “The media plays a vital role in bridging geographical gaps and amplifying the stories of frontline workers. Their partnership is indispensable in building trust and promoting health communication efforts,” he noted.

Dr. Vandana Joshi, Chief of Health at UNICEF Sierra Leone, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to the cause. “These vaccines are essential for safeguarding our children’s future,” she said, highlighting the broader impact on child health and well-being.

The campaign’s success hinged on a collaborative approach. WHO teams, alongside MoH, NPHA, and partners, ensured thorough implementation across all 16 districts. Outreach efforts extended to churches, mosques, marketplaces, and other community hubs, engaging parents, and caregivers to vaccinate their children and protect them from polio. Special focus was placed on high-risk areas like Western Area Urban and Rural, where population growth had created unique challenges.

A comprehensive micro-planning process targeted households and children under five, identifying and vaccinating those missed during previous rounds. This meticulous strategy ensured no child was left unprotected and reinforced control measures against polio outbreaks.

Through this campaign, the Ministry of Health and its partners have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to a polio-free Sierra Leone. Every vaccine administered not only protects a child but also brings the nation closer to eradicating polio, safeguarding the health and future of its youngest generation.

 

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For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
SHARKAH Madlyn
National Communication Officer
WHO Sierra Leone
Email: sharkahm [at] who.int (sharkahm[at]who[dot]int)