designed to address the evolving challenges of the polio endgame. It is specifically intended for use in responding to circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks and is more genetically stable than the traditional monovalent OPV2.
ChatGPT said:
The Ministry of Health (MoH) of South Sudan, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, has launched a landmark integrated health campaign aimed at protecting over 2.1 million children and 1.2 million adults from polio and Schistosomiasis. Running from 23 to 26 September 2025, the campaign involves health workers and volunteers conducting door-to-door outreach across 40 counties. Children under five will receive the novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), while school-aged children and at-risk communities in selected counties, including Awerial, Renk, and Bor South, will be administered Praziquantel tablets to prevent Schistosomiasis.
This dual-focus approach represents a significant advancement in public health strategy, allowing South Sudan to address two critical health priorities simultaneously. By integrating efforts, the Ministry maximises resources and extends its outreach, particularly in hard-to-access areas, ensuring wider coverage and efficiency. The initiative underscores the government’s determination to halt polio transmission and safeguard the health of children across the nation.
Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, Minister of Health, highlighted the campaign’s aim to overcome the challenges of low immunisation coverage and cVDPV2 outbreaks, urging parents and communities to participate fully. WHO Representative Dr. Humphrey Karamagi emphasized that previous efforts to strengthen surveillance, train healthcare workers, and build response capabilities have prepared South Sudan to detect and respond promptly to polio cases.
The campaign also provides a critical opportunity to reach children missed in prior vaccination rounds, enhancing their immunity profiles. UNICEF’s Acting Representative, Mr. Obia Ochieng, noted that the integrated approach protects children from multiple health threats while reinforcing broader immunisation coverage. The initiative is supported by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), whose contributions extend beyond vaccine provision to broader health system strengthening.
Schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic worms transmitted through contaminated freshwater, remains a significant health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in communities lacking safe water and sanitation. The novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), used in this campaign, is genetically more stable than traditional vaccines and specifically designed to combat circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks, addressing evolving challenges in polio eradication.
This integrated health campaign demonstrates South Sudan’s proactive approach to protecting its population, ensuring critical disease prevention, and strengthening public health resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
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