In a concerted effort to combat the highly infectious and potentially deadly poliovirus, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Liberia, has launched a four-day campaign in to administer the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine type-2 (nOPV2) in Liberia.
Polio, a viral disease that targets the nervous system and can lead to paralysis and death, poses a significant threat to public health, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare services.
The nOPV2 vaccine specifically targets the type-2 strain of poliovirus, which is particularly dangerous and can quickly escalate to fatal outcomes if left untreated.
Dr. Clement Lugala Peter, the WHO representative to Liberia, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in the fight against polio, underscoring the organization’s commitment to preventing the spread of this deadly virus.
The four-day vaccination campaign, running from May 10th to May 13th, 2024, aims to shield children from exposure to the circulating type-2 poliovirus.
Addressing concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness, Dr. Peters reassured the public that the vaccines are rigorously tested and approved for use.
He urged parents and guardians to avail their children under the age of five for vaccination, emphasizing the critical role of community leaders and local government in mobilizing support for the campaign.
Furthermore, Dr. Peters highlighted the regional scope of the vaccination effort, extending beyond Liberia’s borders to neighboring countries including Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
This coordinated approach seeks to create a protective barrier against the spread of polio across West Africa.
Acknowledging the presence of type-2 polio outbreaks in neighboring countries, Dr. Peters stressed the urgency of vaccination to preempt the introduction of the virus into Liberia.
He called upon all stakeholders to unite in this crucial endeavor to safeguard the health and well-being of Liberia’s children.
As the vaccination campaign unfolds, the collective efforts of healthcare workers, community leaders, and government authorities will be instrumental in achieving widespread immunization coverage and ultimately eradicating the threat of polio in Liberia and beyond.
