Oral Polio Vaccination Campaign in Cameroon

Due to the recent outbreaks of a new strain of virus, the circulating derivative poliovirus types 2 (cVDPV2); experienced in Cameroon in 2021, the Ministry of Public Health will be launching an oral polio vaccination (OPV) campaign from May 13 to May 16 and June 10 to June 13, 2022 [1]. Other African countries like Malawi recently experienced a resurgence of wild poliovirus. In order to prevent any further spread, the OPV campaign shall be in 2 rounds in all ten regions of Cameroon [1].

What is Poliomyelitis (Polio)? Polio is a highly contagious disease that affects the spinal cord and causes paralysis [2]. It is caused by drinking contaminated water or food [2]. Like most infectious diseases, preventing polio is by observing the same hygienic rules like washing the hands after using the toilet or before eating, boiling non-potable water before drinking, washing fruits and vegetables with clean water, and the like.

This week we shall see mobilizers going door to door visiting households to inform parents or guardians about the OPV campaign. These mobilizers will check your child’s immunization status through the vaccination cards and guide those whose children are not up to date with their routine vaccinations. Getting you all educated about the benefits of vaccination, Vitamin A, and deworming [1] is also part of the activities.

If you do not know where you placed your children’s vaccination card, now will be the time to start looking for it. Parents or guardians if you know you will be traveling or away during these OPV campaign dates, please inform the mobilizers. Arrangements shall be provided to ensure that your children are vaccinated. More importantly, do not be shy to ask questions.

From the first day of the campaign, children under 5 years old will be vaccinated against polio, while other interventions will be going on alongside it. Children will also receive Vitamin A supplementation, worm medicines, catching up for routine vaccinations, and counting children 0 to 3 months old without birth certificates [1]. All of this shall happen door to door in households, health facilities, and public places like schools, markets, churches, mosques, and so on [1].

This OPV campaign is in 2 rounds. So your children will have to be vaccinated in both rounds. These vaccines are free and safe. After the OPV campaign, parents or guardians, please make sure you continue to follow up on your children’s routine vaccination schedule and get them vaccinated.

Any child not vaccinated is at risk of getting infected, becoming crippled, and putting others at risk. We all have a role in keeping our communities safe and improving vaccination coverage in our nation. Let us play our part in getting our children vaccinated and ensure a long life for all.

Get ready and mark your calendars.

References

1. Cameroon MINSANTE. (2022). National Vaccination Campaign In Response to Polio Outbreak Key Messages. Yaoundé: Cameroon MINSANTE.

2. Poliomyelitis (polio). (2022). Retrieved 8 May 2022, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/poliomyelitis#tab=tab_1

3. Image Credit: PEV/EPI Cameroon