Sierra Leone Completes First Round of Nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign

By:  Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

Partial map of West Africa showing Sierra Leone

FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2024. The Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and National Public Health Agency with the support of WHO and other partners have successfully completed the first round of a nationwide vaccination campaign to control the spread of vaccine-derived type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV2) in the country.

The campaign has reached an impressive 1,669,594 children under the age of five across Sierra Leone, with over 4,000 healthcare teams mobilized for community engagement and vaccine administration.

The poliovirus (cVDPV2) outbreak was confirmed in March 2024, prompting a synchronized, cross-border vaccination effort involving Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso. The use of the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) was a critical component of this coordinated response.

The vaccination campaign's success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of national health authorities, international organizations and local communities. Dr. Mohamed Jalloh, Director of Health Security and Emergencies at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "This campaign is a testament to our commitment to protecting the health of our children and ensuring a polio-free future for Sierra Leone."

Healthcare teams worked tirelessly to educate communities about the benefits of vaccination and address any concerns or misinformation. Mariatu Yambasu, a mother whose five-month-old baby received the vaccine shared her experience, saying, "As a mother, I will champion positive messaging on the benefits of vaccination."

Abu Bakarr Koroma, a polio survivor also shared his personal story to highlight the importance of vaccination. "I contracted the polio virus at age two; my parents took me to a quack doctor who administered the wrong treatment, leaving me paralyzed," he recounted. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing such outcomes.

The polio vaccination campaign is part of a larger effort to strengthen health systems and support progress towards universal health coverage in Sierra Leone. The WHO will continue to work with all partners to support the government in these endeavors.

As the country prepares for the second round of the vaccination campaign next month, the commitment to eradicating polio and improving child health remains steadfast.

The successful completion of the first round of the nationwide polio vaccination campaign in Sierra Leone is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the government, international organizations and the local community. This milestone represents a crucial step in the country's journey towards eradicating polio and ensuring the health and well-being of its children.

Source: World Health Organization Newsroom.

Published: May 24, 2024

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