The Government of Angola has launched a subnational polio vaccination campaign in Namacunde, Cunene Province, from 24 to 27 February 2026, covering 13 municipalities across four provinces bordering Namibia. The initiative is coordinated with Namibian authorities to halt poliovirus transmission and protect all children at risk.
The campaign targets 230,000 children under 10 years of age, administering the nOPV2 vaccine, which protects against type 2 poliovirus variants. Door-to-door vaccination is the primary strategy, ensuring wide coverage and reaching children in remote or hard-to-access areas.
The launch ceremony brought together senior Angolan officials and a Namibian delegation, highlighting the shared regional commitment to polio eradication. Since 2025, Angola has reported 39 confirmed cases of type 2 poliovirus. Despite previous campaigns reducing transmission, the virus persists, and the detection of a genetically linked variant in Kavango East, Namibia, reinforced the need for synchronized cross-border efforts.
WHO Representative in Angola, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, stressed that “as long as polio exists anywhere in the world, no country is truly safe,” emphasizing the importance of collective mobilization and the United Nations’ support in strengthening routine immunization, surveillance, and community engagement.
The Minister of Health underlined Angola’s commitment to polio eradication, encouraging families to cooperate with vaccination teams and adhere to routine immunization schedules. She noted that “each dose administered is a step towards a polio-free future,” underscoring the campaign’s importance for child protection.
The operation involves 1,709 health workers, including vaccinators, registrars, social mobilizers, logistics staff, and data managers. Local authorities, security forces, community leaders, churches, and international partners are actively engaged to ensure comprehensive outreach.
Technical and financial support is provided by WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, the Gates Foundation, and Rotary International, though authorities emphasized that community participation remains key to the campaign’s success.
Polio is a highly contagious disease capable of causing permanent paralysis, and vaccination remains the most effective method of prevention. Through this synchronized Angola-Namibia campaign, both countries are taking a significant step toward protecting children and advancing regional polio elimination.
