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Polio response: large-scale vaccination campaign in Benin
APA - Cotonou (Benin)APA - Cotonou (Benin)April 27, 2026 | 07:13
The Beninese government, with the support of its technical and financial partners, launched a polio vaccination response campaign on Friday, April 24, 2026, during a ceremony at the Sakété stadium, in the presence of numerous authorities and representatives of international organizations.
The large-scale polio vaccination campaign launched in Benin targets children aged 0 to 5 years in six departments of the country: Alibori, Atacora, Borgou, Donga, Collines, and Plateau. A total of 2,516,862 children are included in this first round of vaccinations, scheduled from April 24 to 27, 2026.
Speaking at the event, the UNICEF Representative in Benin, Ousmane Niang, commended the government's efforts in combating vaccine-preventable diseases. However, he warned of the continued presence of poliovirus in the country, with cases detected regularly since 2022. According to him, unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children are a key factor in the spread of the virus. He therefore called for strong mobilization of communities, local leaders, and parents to ensure the campaign's success.
The UNICEF representative also stressed the importance of routine vaccination, which he considers the most effective way to sustainably protect children and reduce infant mortality.
For his part, the Minister of Health, Professor Benjamin Hounkpatin, reiterated the seriousness of polio, a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to irreversible paralysis or even death. Despite the progress made, three environmental cases of poliovirus have recently been detected in Benin, justifying the implementation of this two-phase response campaign, in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
“ The objective is clear: to interrupt all chains of transmission of the virus ,” the minister declared, specifying that the campaign aims for a vaccination coverage of at least 95%, a threshold deemed necessary to stop the circulation of the poliovirus. He emphasized three essential factors for the success of this operation: the mobilization of all stakeholders, the commitment of parents, and the rigor of the vaccination teams.
Vaccination teams will be deployed to visit households and administer vaccine doses to all eligible children. The minister appealed to parents to facilitate their work by opening their doors and having their children vaccinated. " Tomorrow's health is built today ," he emphasized.
The launch ceremony was held in the presence of the Prefect of Plateau, the Mayor of Sakété, and the Resident Representative of the World Health Organization in Benin. Partners such as the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and several civil society organizations were thanked for their continued support.
Through this initiative, Benin reaffirms its commitment to eradicating polio and guaranteeing every child the right to a healthy life. The message to the population is unequivocal: vaccinate children to protect them against this preventable disease.
TE/Sf/APA
https://fr.apanews.net/health/ripos...ampagne-de-vaccination-dans-six-departements/
Polio response: large-scale vaccination campaign in Benin
APA - Cotonou (Benin)APA - Cotonou (Benin)April 27, 2026 | 07:13
The Beninese government, with the support of its technical and financial partners, launched a polio vaccination response campaign on Friday, April 24, 2026, during a ceremony at the Sakété stadium, in the presence of numerous authorities and representatives of international organizations.
The large-scale polio vaccination campaign launched in Benin targets children aged 0 to 5 years in six departments of the country: Alibori, Atacora, Borgou, Donga, Collines, and Plateau. A total of 2,516,862 children are included in this first round of vaccinations, scheduled from April 24 to 27, 2026.
Speaking at the event, the UNICEF Representative in Benin, Ousmane Niang, commended the government's efforts in combating vaccine-preventable diseases. However, he warned of the continued presence of poliovirus in the country, with cases detected regularly since 2022. According to him, unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children are a key factor in the spread of the virus. He therefore called for strong mobilization of communities, local leaders, and parents to ensure the campaign's success.
The UNICEF representative also stressed the importance of routine vaccination, which he considers the most effective way to sustainably protect children and reduce infant mortality.
For his part, the Minister of Health, Professor Benjamin Hounkpatin, reiterated the seriousness of polio, a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to irreversible paralysis or even death. Despite the progress made, three environmental cases of poliovirus have recently been detected in Benin, justifying the implementation of this two-phase response campaign, in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
“ The objective is clear: to interrupt all chains of transmission of the virus ,” the minister declared, specifying that the campaign aims for a vaccination coverage of at least 95%, a threshold deemed necessary to stop the circulation of the poliovirus. He emphasized three essential factors for the success of this operation: the mobilization of all stakeholders, the commitment of parents, and the rigor of the vaccination teams.
Vaccination teams will be deployed to visit households and administer vaccine doses to all eligible children. The minister appealed to parents to facilitate their work by opening their doors and having their children vaccinated. " Tomorrow's health is built today ," he emphasized.
The launch ceremony was held in the presence of the Prefect of Plateau, the Mayor of Sakété, and the Resident Representative of the World Health Organization in Benin. Partners such as the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and several civil society organizations were thanked for their continued support.
Through this initiative, Benin reaffirms its commitment to eradicating polio and guaranteeing every child the right to a healthy life. The message to the population is unequivocal: vaccinate children to protect them against this preventable disease.
TE/Sf/APA
https://fr.apanews.net/health/ripos...ampagne-de-vaccination-dans-six-departements/