Togo launches 2nd-round nationwide polio vaccination campaign

Togo has launched the second round of its national vaccination campaign against poliomyelitis, following an initial phase carried out from March 12 to 14 that achieved a 95 per cent coverage rate among targeted children, according to the Togolese Ministry of Health.

Mobile vaccination teams have been deployed in urban and rural areas to administer a second dose to children aged zero to five years. The vaccine is provided free of charge as part of the national eradication strategy.

According to health authorities, the new round aims to strengthen immunisation coverage and interrupt the circulation of the poliovirus across the country.

“Two rounds are required to interrupt virus transmission and sustainably protect children,” said Kokou Wotobe, Secretary-General of the Health Ministry.

The ministry has called for increased mobilisation of parents, guardians and heads of pre-school institutions, urging kindergartens, day-care centres and nursery schools to facilitate access for vaccination teams.