The Ministry of Health (MINSA) in Angola has announced plans to conduct a nationwide vaccination campaign against poliomyelitis, measles, and yellow fever. The campaign, scheduled to take place from October 8 to 12, aims to vaccinate over 11 million children under the age of 9. This initiative comes in response to reported cases of these diseases in the country. The vaccination drive seeks to enhance protection for children and interrupt the circulation of preventable diseases.
According to MINSA, over 18,000 teams have been mobilized to carry out the vaccination process through door-to-door brigades, fixed posts, and advanced posts. The goal is to achieve at least 95% coverage in target municipalities. The ministry has called on parents, guardians, community leaders, and the general population to participate in the campaign by bringing eligible children to vaccination posts. The campaign's slogan, "Let's vaccinate all children under 9 years old," emphasizes the importance of collective participation.
The vaccination campaign will focus on four interventions: nOPV2, fIPV, Measles-Rubella (MR), and Yellow Fever (YF). These interventions target children in different age groups. The campaign's implementation is crucial, given the current epidemiological context, which demands a coordinated response. Vaccination is recognized as one of the most effective measures for preventing diseases and protecting children's health.
Since January 2025, Angola has reported 20 cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in nine provinces. Additionally, 1,954 cases of measles have been confirmed in all 21 provinces, while 19 confirmed cases of yellow fever have been recorded in Luanda and Icolo e Bengo. These statistics underscore the need for the vaccination campaign to mitigate the spread of these diseases.
The Ministry of Health has emphasized the significance of community involvement in the vaccination campaign. By working together, the ministry aims to ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission. The campaign's success will depend on the active participation of parents, guardians, and community leaders in promoting the vaccination process.
Angola's vaccination campaign is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's healthcare system and protect its population from preventable diseases. The initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, particularly for children. By investing in vaccination programs, the government aims to reduce the burden of disease and promote a healthier population.
The nationwide vaccination campaign against polio, measles, and yellow fever is a critical step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of Angola's children. With the support of the community and the mobilization of over 18,000 teams, the Ministry of Health is poised to achieve its vaccination targets and make a positive impact on the country's healthcare landscape.
Key points
- Over 11 million children under 9 years old will be vaccinated against polio, measles, and yellow fever in Angola.
- The vaccination campaign will run from October 8 to 12, with the goal of achieving at least 95% coverage in target municipalities.
- Since January 2025, Angola has reported 20 cases of cVDPV2, 1,954 cases of measles, and 19 cases of yellow fever.
