Ethiopia has officially launched the second phase of its nationwide polio vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize nearly 6 million children under the age of five. The campaign was inaugurated in Gambella, where senior federal and regional officials gathered to promote the initiative under the theme “The Journey to Zero Polio in Ethiopia.”
The second phase of the polio vaccination effort will target approximately 160,000 children across all districts in Gambella, including those in the city administration and refugee camps. Mikias Alayu, a representative from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, emphasized the importance of conducting multiple rounds of vaccination campaigns to prevent and control polio outbreaks resulting from vaccine shortages.
In the first round of vaccinations, over 160,000 children in the region received polio immunizations. During this campaign, health officials also conducted surveys for polio-like diseases and other illnesses while reinforcing routine vaccinations and raising community awareness about health issues.
Odjulu Oduru, a representative for the Regional President and Head of the Water and Energy Bureau, highlighted the importance of international and local cooperation in eradicating polio. He stressed that active participation from management and stakeholders is crucial for effective implementation.
Prof. Sileshi Garuma, an advisor to the state minister of health, noted that creating a polio-free Ethiopia relies on community involvement in prevention efforts, routine vaccinations, and integrated home-to-home testing.
Dr. Owen L. Kaluwa, WHO Representative in Ethiopia, addressed attendees at the launch event, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of various partners including USAID, UNICEF, Rotary International, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). He emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to eradicating all forms of polio as part of a broader global initiative.
This year marks a significant milestone as Ethiopia joins other countries in commemorating World Polio Day with renewed efforts to combat the disease. The campaign will utilize the novel Oral Polio Vaccine type two (nOPV2) across five regions, including Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Addis Ababa, and Oromia.
Ethiopia has made significant strides in polio eradication since interrupting indigenous wild poliovirus transmission in December 2001. The last reported case of imported wild poliovirus occurred in January 2014, and Ethiopia was certified polio-free by the World Health Organization in 2017.
The ongoing vaccination campaign is part of Ethiopia’s commitment to maintaining its polio-free status and ensuring that all children receive essential vaccinations to protect against preventable diseases.
