Angola Launches Nationwide Polio Vaccination Drive Amid New Outbreaks

Facing the urgent threat posed by a resurgence of polio, Angola is intensifying efforts to protect its children through one of the most extensive vaccination campaigns in recent years. This response comes after the confirmation of 19 new cases of poliovirus type 2 in the provinces of Benguela, Huambo, Cubango, and Cuanza Norte. Led by the Ministry of Health and supported technically by the World Health Organization (WHO), the campaign seeks to rapidly curb the spread of the virus and safeguard every child under five years of age.

Coordinated National Strategy Anchored in Evidence and Preparedness

A National Microplanning Meeting recently convened to design a coordinated, evidence-based strategy that will underpin the nationwide campaign. Participants from government, health authorities, and partners deliberated on how best to halt poliovirus circulation and ensure equitable vaccine coverage.

The campaign aims to vaccinate over 6.9 million children with two drops of the novel oral poliovirus vaccine type 2 (nVPO2). Structured in three major phases, it began with a successful rollout in Benguela province from July 25 to 27, 2025, followed by a second phase planned between August 8 and 10 across the rest of the country. The campaign’s final phase is scheduled for September 5 to 7 and will cover all municipalities nationwide.

To effectively interrupt transmission, the campaign targets a minimum vaccination coverage of 95% in every locality, aiming to leave no child unprotected.

Multi-Faceted Objectives to Strengthen the Response

Key objectives outlined during the microplanning meeting include:

• Intensifying active surveillance for cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), cholera, measles, and other notifiable diseases, to promptly identify and respond to potential outbreaks.

• Enhancing social mobilization campaigns before and during the vaccination phases to raise awareness, build community trust, and encourage participation.

• Ensuring robust cold chain logistics, guaranteeing that vaccines and materials are distributed and maintained at appropriate temperatures, with delivery at least three days before each campaign phase.

• Implementing differentiated outreach strategies tailored to hard-to-reach populations, including residents in remote mining areas, refugee camps, and informal urban settlements.

Comprehensive Vaccination Modalities to Maximize Coverage

The primary vaccination approach will be door-to-door visits, complemented by fixed vaccination posts, mobile teams, and advance teams stationed at high-traffic public areas such as markets, churches, and transport hubs. Specially trained teams will be deployed in remote or security-compromised zones to ensure full geographic coverage.

Rigorous Monitoring for Quality Assurance

To maintain high standards and validate coverage data, the campaign will employ the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) method, with independent supervisors conducting assessments. Municipalities that fall short of the 95% coverage benchmark will face immediate follow-up actions, including supplementary immunization activities and intensified community engagement. This approach underscores the campaign’s commitment to equity, transparency, and operational effectiveness.

Funding and Global Partnership

This ambitious national campaign is financed by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) through WHO support. The program reflects Angola’s steadfast dedication to polio eradication and its alignment with global health goals.

Dr. José Chivale, WHO Polio Eradication Team Coordinator in Angola, emphasized the critical nature of the campaign: "This vaccination effort represents a pivotal opportunity to stop poliovirus transmission in Angola. By adopting a coordinated approach, tailoring strategies to local contexts, and involving communities actively, we are confident that we will protect all children and move decisively toward a polio-free Angola."

The Road Ahead: Safeguarding Future Generations

Angola’s comprehensive vaccination drive is a decisive step toward eliminating polio and strengthening the country’s immunization infrastructure. By aligning government departments, international partners, and community leaders, the campaign aims not only to contain the current outbreak but also to build resilient health systems capable of preventing future epidemics.

The success of this campaign will contribute to the global mission of polio eradication, bringing Angola closer to ensuring a healthy, polio-free future for all its children.