Madagascar declares polio outbreak over after successful vaccination campaigns

MADAGASCAR— Madagascar has achieved a major public health victory by successfully stopping the transmission of variant poliovirus type 1.

This milestone follows a thorough independent assessment that recommended the official closure of the polio outbreak, which began in 2020.

The country’s efforts demonstrate the power of strong political commitment, community engagement, and international partnerships in fighting infectious diseases.

The outbreak posed a serious threat, especially to children under five and unvaccinated adults.

At its peak in September 2023, Madagascar had recorded 287 confirmed cases, including 45 cases of acute flaccid paralysis, 44 community cases, and 198 positive detections in environmental samples like wastewater.

Cases were spread across 30 districts in 13 regions, with two paralytic cases reported in adults in early 2023, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

In response, the government, through its Emergencies Operations Centre and in collaboration with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), launched a series of emergency vaccination campaigns.

These campaigns were supported by strong leadership from the highest levels, including the President and First Lady of Madagascar.

Together, they helped vaccinate over 19 million people, reaching an impressive 95% coverage by the end of 2023.

This wide-reaching effort was critical in stopping the spread of the virus.

Key to this success was Madagascar’s intensified surveillance system.

It enabled health workers to quickly detect poliovirus cases in both humans and environmental samples.

Enhanced case investigations, community involvement, and innovative strategies such as house-to-house vaccinations played vital roles in halting transmission.

H.E. Mrs. Mialy Rajoelina, the First Lady of Madagascar and immunization ambassador, praised the achievement as a hopeful sign for the future.

She emphasized that eradicating polio shows what can be accomplished through determination and collective action.

She encouraged everyone to continue raising awareness and working together to ensure every child has a healthy future.

Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, noted that this success proves that political will, strong partnerships, and community participation are essential to control polio outbreaks swiftly.

However, he stressed the importance of sustaining these efforts to prevent any resurgence.

UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, highlighted the tireless work of government officials, health workers, and partners on the ground.

She called Madagascar a beacon of hope for polio eradication across Africa but reminded everyone that vigilance must continue to prevent future outbreaks.

GPEI partners, including GAVI, Rotary, UNICEF, WHO, and the Gates Foundation, remain committed to supporting Madagascar in maintaining its polio-free status.

Thabani Maphosa, Gavi’s Chief Country Delivery Officer, pointed out that this achievement reflects the power of strengthening routine immunization and reaching marginalized communities to leave no child behind.

Rotary’s Haingo Ranoharisoa, Chair of Madagascar’s National PolioPlus Committee, expressed pride in the frontline workers and volunteers whose dedication made this success possible.

The closure of the outbreak is a testament to what can be achieved when governments, civil society, and international partners unite to protect children from preventable diseases.

Madagascar’s victory against polio is a shining example of how coordinated efforts can overcome public health challenges and safeguard future generations.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and beyond. Also, follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.