Faced with the growing threat of polio and the confirmation of 19 new cases in four provinces, Angola "is intensifying preparations for one of the most comprehensive childhood vaccination campaigns in recent years," the WHO stated in a statement.
The campaign, coordinated by the Ministry of Health and supported by the WHO, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), aims to "vaccinate more than 6.9 million children with two doses of the nOPV2 vaccine" to contain poliovirus type 2 and protect all children under five.
The polio mobilization includes three main phases, the first of which "successfully took place between July 25 and 27 in Benguela," and the second will take place between August 15 and 17 throughout the rest of the country. The third and final phase will take place between September 5th and 7th in all municipalities across the country.
"The goal is to achieve a minimum vaccination coverage of 95 percent in each location to ensure that no child is left unprotected," the WHO said, adding that "municipalities that do not reach the coverage target will be subject to immediate follow-up actions."
Intensifying the "active search for cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), cholera, measles, and other notifiable diseases," strengthening "social mobilization activities before and during the campaign," ensuring cold chain logistics and the distribution of materials at least three days in advance, and implementing differentiated strategies to reach hard-to-reach populations are the specific objectives defined during a meeting.
The main vaccination strategy will be door-to-door vaccination, with the support of fixed posts, mobile teams, and advance teams in busy locations such as markets, churches, and public transportation terminals.
To ensure the campaign reaches all communities, special teams will also be sent to remote areas or areas with security concerns.
This effort by the Angolan authorities is funded by the GPEI, through the World Health Organization.
"WHO will continue to support the country in this vital mission," emphasized José Chivale, Coordinator of the WHO Polio Eradication Team in Angola, adding that "this campaign represents a crucial opportunity to interrupt poliovirus transmission" in the country.
