The second round of the polio vaccination campaign targets 1.3 million children in 12 Yemeni governoratesn July 16, 2024, Aden, Yemen - More than 1.3 million children under the age of five will receive oral polio vaccines through the second round of the vaccination campaign from 15 to 17 July 2024 in 12 Yemeni governorates. The campaign was launched yesterday by the Yemeni Ministry of Public Health and Population, in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), with the aim of stopping the increasing spread of type 2 of circulating mutated poliovirus (cVDPV2). Children will also receive vitamin A supplements to enhance their natural immunity against diseases during this campaign.

The new oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) campaign will target more than 1.3 million children in 120 districts in 12 southern governorates. About 9,000 health workers, including supervisors and community activists, have been trained to cover 1 million households through a house-to-house vaccination campaign. This is the second vaccination campaign in response to the cVDPV2 outbreak that has paralyzed 257 children in Yemen so far.

The second round of the polio vaccination campaign targets 1.3 million children in 12 Yemeni governorates. Dr. Arturo Besigian, WHO Representative in Yemen, said: “This campaign is a decisive step in our ongoing efforts to stop the spread of polio, which can cause paralysis.” Permanent for children.

Polio infection can lead to permanent, debilitating paralysis. There is no known cure for it, but it can be easily prevented through vaccination. “Vaccination is the only way to prevent children from contracting polio. It is not just an investment in the well-being of vulnerable children but also in the economy and future of the country. By joining forces with government, religious leaders, donors, media, frontline workers, communities and parents We will continue our fight to end vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Yemen.

The first round of the campaign reached 1.3 million children with the nOPV2 vaccine in the southern governorates in February 2024. WHO and UNICEF Yemen are collaborating closely with the Government of Yemen, partners and communities to ensure this campaign reaches every child possible to boost immunity against polio . By combining their efforts and resources, WHO and UNICEF aim to increase vaccine coverage, protect vulnerable groups and end polio in Yemen. This campaign is made possible by the generous support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), reaffirming the global commitment to a polio-free world.