Mozambique Vaccinates Millions of Children during June in Fight Against Polio

Maputo, 30 June 2025 – A national polio campaign, targeting children under the age of 10 across Mozambique, was successfully conducted between June 2nd and June 6th. The campaign was considered a success as over 92% of all children were vaccinated.  

With the Ministry of Health, supported by UNICEF, WHO, and GPEI partners Rotary International, CDC, Gavi, and the Gates Foundation, this first round of vaccinations marked a decisive move to protect children from lingering variants of the poliovirus still circulating in the region.

This achievement is part of a broader national strategy that builds on years of collaborative work between the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and other members of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Since the wild poliovirus resurfaced in Mozambique in 2022 after three decades without a case, UNICEF has helped mobilize resources, reach communities, and deliver vaccines to where they are needed most.

Working hand in hand with national and local authorities, UNICEF has deployed its technical expertise in community engagement, vaccine logistics, and cold chain management. The goal is simple: leave no child unprotected.

In 2024, Mozambique celebrated a major milestone, the interruption of wild poliovirus transmission. Yet the fight continues. The country now uses a newer vaccine, nOPV2, designed to address remaining variants. This vaccine, however, requires careful handling and adds layers of complexity to the operation.

“nOPV2 is extremely heat-sensitive,” said Luís Pilon, UNICEF’s vaccine management coordinator. “Every dose that reaches its destination in ideal condition is a victory. It shows the cold chain system is working — and that we are delivering quality immunization for every child.”

UNICEF is already preparing for the second round of vaccination, set to launch on July 8th. Doses have been distributed across all 161 participating districts, and supplies such as cold boxes, registration forms, and awareness materials are in place.

Reverse logistics is also a key part of the operation. “It’s not just about delivery,” said Emil Hristov, a field consultant with UNICEF. “Used vials must be safely collected and disposed of to protect both communities and the environment. Every step in this chain matters.”

The first round of vaccination demonstrated the power of coordination and trust. Independent monitoring showed that 90 per cent of families surveyed had received information about the campaign before it began, a testament to the strength of community engagement, which included local radio, health workers, and volunteers speaking in local languages.

Mozambique is now working to build on this momentum. The second round of vaccination will help consolidate progress and bring the country closer to its goal: a future free from polio.

Each vaccine drop is more than a medical dose. It is a promise to protect, a show of collective resolve, and a step toward ending polio for good.