Polio Campaign
UNICEF along with World Health Organization and Federal Ministry of Health are working together to ensure all children under 5 in Sudan are vaccinated against Polio
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Vaccines for Every Child in Sudan
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease that was once the leading cause of paralysis among children worldwide.
Polio-affected areas are some of the most marginalized and underserved communities in the world, who often lack access to essential services such as water and health care.
There are multiple strains of polio, and there is a critical distinction between wild poliovirus, which is today only found in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
On 8 August, vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) was confirmed in Sudan. This strain of poliovirus is the result of low immunity and under-immunization of communities, rather than a problem with the vaccine.
The vaccination campaign, the first to be held nationwide in response to the virus detection, is being led by the Federal Ministry of Health, and supported by WHO and UNICEF. The aim is to boost immunity and protect vulnerable children against the virus. Both WHO and UNICEF are advising health workers and caregivers to observe strict health and safety measures against COVID-19 during the campaign.