Africa has marked World Polio Day but this time, with some troubling news.
The news is that 134 additional polio cases have been reported across seven countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identified countries such as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Niger and Nigeria as affected regions.
This polio resurgence stems from the declining vaccination rates in very fragile and conflict-affected nations. Last year, 541 global cases were recorded, predominantly in more vulnerable countries.
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This increase also underscores the pressing need for targeted and immediate vaccination campaigns all around.
Therefore, UNICEF’s efforts are underway. Gaza’s recent vaccination drive surprisingly reached nearly 600,000 children under 10.
Sudan also achieved 2.9 million vaccinations through door-to-door initiatives.
WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti emphasized the urgency of addressing polio’s spread.
Also, Humanitarian pauses have enabled healthcare workers to safely administer vaccines, safeguarding at-risk children.
In conclusion, The global community rallies to combat polio’s resurgence, prioritizing vulnerable populations.
