Cameroon Immunises Children Against Poliomyelitis

In a decisive move to safeguard the next generation, the Government of Cameroon, in partnership with UNICEF, has concluded a massive sub-national immunization drive targeting millions of children across the country.

Children being vaccinated in Maroua – photo credit, Cameroon Tribune

From April 23 to 26, 2026, vaccination teams fanned out across six key regions to ensure that the « silent threat » of polio finds no place to hide.

The campaign, which officially kicked off in the Littoral region under the patronage of the Governor, focused on the Adamawa, Centre, Littoral, Far North, North, and East regions. Its mission was to reach every child aged 0 to 59 months with the life-saving « novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2).

This wasn’t just a clinic-based initiative. To ensure « no child is left behind, » health authorities adopted a « meet them where they are » strategy. Teams were spotted everywhere. Door-to-door visits in remote villages and bustling city blocks. Schools and marketplaces where parents go about their daily routines. Churches and mosques, leveraging the trust of religious gatherings.

In the Biyemassi neighborhood of Yaoundé, the impact was tangible. Liza, a dedicated community agent, reported vaccinating over 100 children in just the first few days. « The goal is simple: total coverage, » she noted.

Liza says the vaccine helps in stopping paralysis – Author

Navigating difficult terrain and security constraints, the teams used a rigorous tracking system. Once a child was vaccinated, their finger was marked with ink; once a household was cleared, the door was marked. These small but vital signs are the breadcrumbs that allow health experts to confirm that the virus has no remaining hosts to infect.

Community agent marking a child’s finger after vaccination in Biyemassi – Author

Importance of Polio Vaccination

The use of the « nOPV2 » vaccine is a critical technical upgrade in the global fight against circulating variant polioviruses. By combining this high-tech medical tool with the high-touch approach of community-centered leadership, Cameroon is setting a benchmark for how to end preventable diseases for good.

Polio « nOPV2 » vaccine – photo credit, Unicef

As the four-day intensive phase wraps up, the message from health authorities remains clear: Collaboration is the cure. Through the combined efforts of the government, UNICEF, and the tireless community agents, Cameroon is one giant step closer to a polio-free future.

By Ndifon Anna Ting