Polio Immunization Campaigns: Securing a Brighter Future for Yemeni Children

To safeguard Yemeni children from polio, UNICEF, in collaboration with its partners, initiated the first round of the door-to-door Polio vaccination campaign in February 2024. The campaign aimed to vaccinate over 1.2 million children under five years of age across 12 governorates in Yemen.

More than 6,727 health workers in fixed and mobile teams participated in this vaccination campaign, and with the dedication and tireless efforts of those heroes, UNICEF and the partners were able to reach children in urban, rural and remote areas, effectively curbing the spread of polio in the targeted governorates.

Safe vaccines to protect children

For the last six years, Eileen Shaher, a health worker at Al-Mualla Health Facility in Aden, has been participating in door-to-door vaccination campaigns.

“During these campaigns, I provide immunization services directly to children at their houses, ensuring access even for those who were unable to reach the health facilities. For years, I've encountered parents eager to get their kids vaccinated. But my role goes beyond simply giving the vaccine doses. I also educate hesitant parents about the crucial role of immunization and the safety of vaccines themselves,” she says.

“Despite the tiring nature of house-to-house visits, my work brings immense fulfilment. Every child I vaccinate feels like my own, and I'm proud to offer them this vital shield against preventable diseases."

Easy access to vaccination services

Immunization campaigns are vital for saving children's lives and securing their future. Nadeem Muhammad Saeed, a 40-year-old father from Al-Mualla, Aden, emphasizes this point. "The ease of access these campaigns provide is crucial," he says.

"When I heard about it through the media and announcements, I knew I had to get my daughter vaccinated against polio right away,"  he says, adding, "I was worried about her getting sick.  But after the vaccination team came to our house, I felt a huge weight lifted. Knowing her immunity is stronger gives me a great peace of mind." 

Nadeem added with a powerful plea: "I urge all parents to do the same and protect their children with vaccines."

Awareness raising – converging efforts

To support the polio immunization campaign, a community education effort was launched alongside it. This aims to increase public awareness and encourage parents to get their children vaccinated.

Widyan Abdel Wahab, a community mobilizer, explains, "Vaccination is crucial for healthy generations, so I always work to raise awareness among mothers about the importance of both routine vaccinations and ad-hoc campaigns and how they work together to keep children's immune systems strong." She also highlights how informing parents of the benefits of vaccination can motivate them to get their children immunized, ultimately protecting the entire community's health.

Beyond Numbers: The Human Impact of Vaccination

Through their concerted efforts, the Scouts and Guides successfully reached out to a significant number of people, with 12,100 individuals benefiting from vaccination and awareness-raising sessions facilitated by the initiative. This collaborative endeavour underscores the importance of youth engagement in public health campaigns.

By leveraging the enthusiasm and dedication of these young volunteers, the polio vaccination campaign not only achieved its objectives but also fostered a sense of community responsibility and empowerment. The impact of their involvement extends beyond the immediate success of the campaign, serving as a testament to the positive influence that youth-led initiatives can have on public health outcomes.

The polio campaign in Yemen has made significant strides in reaching over 1.2 million children under the age of five in 12 Yemeni provinces. The collective efforts demonstrated the power of unity and determination in combating preventable diseases and improving the health of the local communities in Yemen.

“Polio poses a serious threat to unvaccinated children”, Tafa’ol Fare’a, a resident of Al-Mualla district, Aden. “Protecting our children from preventable diseases is a shared responsibility. Vaccines are the key to a healthier future for all the children.”