Today marks the end of a significant four-day campaign in Liberia aimed at combatting the dangerous poliovirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) partnered with the Ministry of Health Liberia (MOH) to administer the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine type-2 (nOPV2) in an effort to protect children under the age of five from the circulating type-2 poliovirus.
Polio, a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis and even death, poses a serious threat to public health, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare services. The nOPV2 vaccine specifically targets the type-2 strain of the poliovirus, which is known to be particularly perilous and can quickly result in fatal consequences if not treated promptly.
Dr. Clement Lugala Peter, the WHO Country Representative to Liberia, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in the fight against polio. He emphasized the organization’s dedication to halting the spread of this deadly virus and ensuring the well-being of the population.
The vaccination campaign, which commenced on May 10, 2024, and concludes today, aimed to shield children from exposure to the circulating type-2 poliovirus. Addressing concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, Dr. Peter assured the public that the vaccines undergo rigorous testing and are approved for use.
He urged parents and guardians to bring their children under the age of five for vaccination, highlighting the crucial role of community leaders and local government in garnering support for the campaign. The vaccination efforts extend beyond Liberia’s borders, encompassing neighboring countries such as Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Mali, in a bid to create a protective barrier against polio spread across West Africa.
Recognizing the presence of type-2 polio outbreaks in neighboring nations, Dr. Peter underscored the urgency of vaccination to prevent the introduction of the virus into Liberia. He called for unity among all stakeholders in safeguarding the health and well-being of Liberian children.
As the vaccination campaign progresses, the collaborative work of healthcare professionals, community leaders, and government entities plays a pivotal role in achieving widespread immunization coverage and ultimately eradicating the threat of polio in Liberia and beyond.
