Madagascar is set to embark on a massive vaccination campaign against poliomyelitis and measles from October 5-9. The campaign, which will cover all 23 regions of the country, aims to boost the immunity of children against these two diseases. The Ministry of Health has also planned to distribute vitamin A to young children to enhance their protection. This move comes as the country grapples with the re-emergence of polio cases and detection of the virus in several samples.
Madagascar had been declared "polio-free" in 2018 after three years without a new case. However, the country has been facing challenges in maintaining a high vaccination coverage, with the current rate standing at just over 70% nationally. The goal is to achieve 95% coverage for children under five years old to sustainably interrupt the circulation of the virus. The upcoming campaign seeks to catch up on children who have not received all the necessary doses.
The poliovirus can circulate silently, with infected children not showing any symptoms but still shedding the virus in their stool. This makes it difficult to contain the disease, emphasizing the need for high vaccination coverage across all regions. According to health experts, the virus detected in Sakaraha is believed to have originated from Antananarivo and has been circulating in Madagascar for several years.
Two cases of polio have been identified in Madagascar since the beginning of the year, in Sakaraha and Toliara. Additionally, the poliovirus has been detected four times in the environment and in the stool of six asymptomatic children. According to Dr. Noeline Ravemanana, a pediatrician and head of the Technical Advisory Group for Vaccination, the virus is now circulating nationwide.
To interrupt the circulation of the virus, complete vaccination is essential. Children need to receive four doses of oral vaccine and two injectable doses. The Ministry of Health is urging parents to ensure their children receive the full vaccination regimen. The campaign will also focus on promoting hygiene and sanitation practices, as the poliovirus can spread through the fecal-oral route.
The re-emergence of polio in Madagascar has raised concerns among health authorities. Despite efforts to contain the disease, new cases have continued to appear due to low vaccination coverage. The October 5-9 campaign aims to address this challenge and protect children from polio and measles. Vitamin A distribution will also help boost the immunity of young children.
Health authorities are working to ensure that all children under five years old receive the necessary vaccinations. The campaign's success will depend on the participation of communities and the cooperation of parents in bringing their children for vaccination. With a concerted effort, Madagascar aims to regain its "polio-free" status and protect its children from these preventable diseases.
Key points
- Madagascar to vaccinate children against polio and measles from October 5-9
- The country aims to achieve 95% vaccination coverage for children under five years old
- Two cases of polio have been identified in Madagascar since the beginning of the year
