Last year, a strategic meeting was held in Uganda, focusing on the high number of reported cVDPV2 cases in the Horn of Africa (HoA). Discussions mainly centered on the migratory population and those living along international borders. Emphasis was placed on synchronizing cVDPV2 outbreak responses across the borders of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan.

As a result, action plans were developed. Advocacy meetings focused on synchronizing nOPV2 vaccination activities, border teams were established, and campaign days were coordinated among the countries involved.

Photo: UNICEF and WHO high-level advocacy visit to Tog-Wajale immigration post. © UNICEF Ethiopia

The synchronized campaigns ran from 21 to 25 February 2025. Vaccination camps were established across the borders of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. Timely interventions and coordination by neighboring countries—through cross-border meetings and joint campaign launches—increased awareness, demand, and visibility at vaccination posts.

These camps successfully vaccinated approximately 9,409 eligible children.

Supporting partners including MoH, EPHI, UNICEF, and WHO coordinated technical support during microplanning exercises and helped map strategic locations at borders and transit points such as bus stops and open markets.

Focused IEC and visibility materials were developed and evenly distributed based on the mapping. Social and traditional media were engaged to raise awareness of the importance of cross-border vaccination.

Tog-Wajale, one of the busiest border communities between Ethiopia and Somalia, was a major focus. Teams proactively ensured each child was vaccinated before crossing into Ethiopia. This effort highlighted the importance of cross-border health cooperation in protecting children.

Hibo Ahmed, Head of the Tog-Wajale City Administration Health Office, emphasized:

“On a personal note, it touches my heart to see how important this campaign is for our children and the communities on both sides of the border. We’re not just fighting a disease; we’re protecting the future of our families.”

She appreciated that the campaign was about more than just vaccination—it was about building trust and relationships within the community.

The Regional Health Bureau (RHB) led the campaign to ensure all eligible children at the border were vaccinated.

Muhyedin Abdi Muhumed, Mayor of Tog-Wajale City Administration, said:

“I felt a strong sense of hope. Families opened their doors to health workers, eager to ensure their children received the integrated polio vaccine. In our border region, where diseases can easily cross and affect both sides, our efforts were vital for everyone.”

He expressed gratitude to UNICEF and other partners for their support, teamwork, and resource contributions. The campaign fostered a spirit of community and collective health responsibility.

Photo: Dr. Shahid Mahbub Awan, UNICEF Health Specialist for Somali Region. © UNICEF Ethiopia

The first round of the nOPV2 cross-border campaign yielded positive results. Continued implementation of this strategy will help ensure no child is missed at official crossing points in the future.

Dr. Shahid Mahbub Awan, UNICEF Health Specialist for Somali Region, said:

“The hard work and commitment of the teams and their supervisor is heartwarming and gives hope the campaign will be highly successful, especially if all teams work with the same zeal.”

“Tog Wajale was a good example of coordination and collaboration between WHO, UNICEF, and RHB in ensuring an effective campaign under difficult circumstances.”

By Dr. Chaudhary Mohd Parvez Alam and Teni Shiru