Angola launches cross-border polio vaccination campaign targeting 230,000 children

ANGOLA—The Government of Angola has initiated a subnational polio vaccination campaign in Namacunde municipality, Cunene Province, running from February 24 to 27, 2026.

The effort spans 13 municipalities across four provinces that border the Republic of Namibia.

Angola coordinates this initiative with Namibia to interrupt poliovirus circulation and protect all vulnerable children in the region.

The campaign targets 230,000 children under 10 years of age using the nOPV2 vaccine, which provides protection against type 2 poliovirus variants.

Health workers employ a door-to-door vaccination strategy to ensure wide coverage and reach children in hard-to-access areas who might otherwise remain unvaccinated.

High-level commitment to eradication

Senior Angolan authorities and a Namibian delegation attended the launch ceremony, demonstrating the region’s shared commitment to eliminating polio.

Since 2025, Angola has confirmed 39 cases of type 2 poliovirus.

Previous campaigns have significantly reduced transmission, yet the virus continues to circulate among communities.

Health officials detected a genetically linked variant in Kavango East, Namibia, which highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated cross-border response.

Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola, emphasized the global nature of the polio threat at the event.

“As long as polio exists anywhere in the world, no country is truly safe,” he stated, calling for collective mobilization to ensure vaccination reaches every child.

He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to support Angola in strengthening routine immunization, epidemiological surveillance, and community engagement efforts.

Nationwide mobilization effort

The Minister of Health stressed that the campaign reinforces Angola’s unwavering dedication to polio eradication and child protection.

“Each dose administered represents a step toward a polio-free future. Every vaccinated child is a victory,” she declared, urging families to cooperate with vaccination teams and maintain adherence to routine immunization schedules.

The campaign covers municipalities in Cunene, Cuando Cubango, and Namibe Provinces, all strategically positioned along the border.

A total of 1,709 health workers participate in the effort, including vaccinators, registrars, social mobilizers, logistics personnel, health promotion staff, and data managers.

The initiative also engages local authorities, security forces, community leaders, churches, and international partners to maximize reach.

WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, the Gates Foundation, and Rotary International provide essential technical and financial support to the national response.

However, authorities emphasize that active community participation remains the primary factor determining the campaign’s success.

Polio remains a highly contagious disease that can cause permanent paralysis in affected children.

Vaccination offers the simplest, safest, and most effective prevention method.

Through this synchronized campaign, Angola and Namibia take decisive action to protect their children and advance toward complete regional elimination of polio.