Angola has launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign targeting more than 6.9 million children under the age of five.
The drive comes after health authorities confirmed 19 new cases of type 2 poliovirus in the provinces of Benguela, Huambo, Cubango, and Cuanza Norte.
Led by the Ministry of Health, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the campaign is described as one of Angola’s most extensive public health interventions in recent years.
WHO polio eradication team coordinator José Chivale says the goal is to stop the spread of the virus and reach at least 95 percent coverage in every locality.
The operation is being rolled out in three phases: Phase one took place in Benguela from 25–27 July, and Phase two is set for 8–10 August across the rest of the country. Phase three will run from 5–7 September in all municipalities.
Authorities are urging parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated to help protect Angola from further outbreaks.
