Polio Vaccination Campaign Launched in North West Region

Djunang NW Governor's Representative and Public Health Officials Immortalize Event.

A mass vaccination campaign against poliomyelitis and Mother and Child Health and Nutrition Action Week has been launched in the North West Region, targeting children aged 0-59 months and supplementation for children aged 12 to 59 months. 

The campaign, which includes two rounds of vaccination with the vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (nOPV2), aims to strengthen herd immunity and stop the circulation of the virus.

The campaign is a response to the persistence of the circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in the Lake Chad Basin, including Cameroon. 

Dr. Ambe Leonel, North West Regional Delegate of Public Health

According to Dr. Ambe Leonel, North West Regional Delegate of Public Health, the region has reported cases of cVDPV2 in the past.

North West Regional Delegate of Public Health Administering Polio Vaccine at GS Station.

He explained that the first round of vaccination was conducted from April 24 to 27, 2025, and the second round will take place from May 29 to June 1, 2025, coupled with Mother and Child Health and Nutrition Action Week.

The Public health official further emphasized that the campaign's objectives include vaccinating 100% of children aged 0-59 months with nOPV2, ensuring efficient vaccine management, and monitoring and managing any cases of adverse events following immunization (AEFI).

Dr. Chebo Cornelius, Regional Coordinator for the Expanded Program on Immunization.

Dr. Chebo Cornelius, Regional Coordinator for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), emphasized the importance of social mobilization and advocacy in ensuring the success of the campaign. 

He highlighted key messages to be communicated to parents, including the importance of vaccinating all children against polio and the benefits of Vitamin A supplementation.

According to the EPI coordinator, the campaign will involve door-to-door vaccination, temporary fixed locations, and vaccination at health facilities, schools, and places of assembly. 

Asongwe Ignatius, Focal Point for Nutrition and NTDs Coordinator North West Regional Delegation of Public Health.

Asongwe Ignatius, the Focal Point for Nutrition and Neglected Tropical Diseases Coordinator at the North West Regional Delegation for Public Health, also contributed to the discussion, highlighting the essentials of Vitamin A supplementation. 

He explained that Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health issue in Cameroon, affecting approximately 39% of children. He noted that Vitamin A supplementation can reduce mortality and morbidity among children aged 6-59 months.

Paul Achobong, Mayor of Bamenda City Council.

Bamenda City Mayor, Paul Achobong, expressed his commitment to ensuring the success of the campaign, highlighting the city's efforts to sensitize parents, traditional and religious leaders about the importance of vaccination.

Djunang Marceliout, Head of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Division.

The North West Governor, represented by Djunang Marceliout, Head of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Division, who officially launched the campaign, urged all stakeholders to support the effort.

It is worth noting that the campaign which was launched at Government School Bamenda Station on Wednesday May 28, 2025, is being implemented in collaboration with international partners, including the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).