Syria Launches Polio Vaccination Campaign in Deir ez-Zor Governorate

The Syrian Ministry of Health has initiated the second round of its emergency polio vaccination campaign in Deir ez-Zor Governorate. This effort is in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The campaign aims to vaccinate over 49,000 children under five years of age. It revisits children targeted during the first round in October 2026.

The first round of vaccinations, funded by World Vision, reached more than 34,000 children. The latest campaign expands vaccination activities to additional villages to reach previously underserved communities. Both vaccination rounds are part of the Syrian Ministry of Health's ongoing response to the poliovirus outbreak. The goal is to strengthen children’s immunity and interrupt poliovirus transmission.

Syrian Minister of Health Dr Mousab Al Ali emphasized that the polio outbreak is a national public health emergency. Stopping the outbreak and protecting children are national priorities. The ministry is mobilizing health workers and working closely with communities and partners to reach every eligible child. The focus is on strengthening routine immunization services across the country, particularly in locations where children cannot easily access health services.

Dr Caroline Clarinval, the World Health Organization representative in Syria, highlighted the importance of rapid vaccination, strong disease surveillance, and sustained efforts to strengthen routine immunization. These measures are essential to interrupt transmission and prevent further cases. Dr Clarinval assured that WHO remains fully committed to supporting Syria in these efforts.

UNICEF Representative in Syria Meritxell Relaño Arana stated that behind every vaccination is a child protected and a family reassured. UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Health and WHO to bring vaccines closer to children, mobilize communities, and help parents understand the importance of vaccination. The priority is to ensure that no child is left behind, particularly in communities where access to essential health services remains limited.

Parents and caregivers in areas targeted by the campaign are urged to ensure that all eligible children receive the polio vaccine. Repeated doses help strengthen protection, even if children have been vaccinated previously. Families should also check that their children’s routine vaccinations are up to date and seek immediate medical attention if a child develops sudden weakness or paralysis.

Vaccination activities are planned across all areas of Deir Ez Zor governorate to strengthen children’s immunity and prevent further spread. The focus is particularly on underserved communities and locations with limited access to safe drinking water. The campaign aims to protect children and prevent the spread of poliovirus in these vulnerable areas.

Key points

• The Syrian Ministry of Health has launched a second round of polio vaccinations in Deir ez-Zor Governorate targeting over 49,000 children under five.