DZWatch Exclusive: Despite maintaining a near polio-free status for almost three decades, Algerian health authorities are reinforcing preventative measures and launching a comprehensive national vaccination campaign. This initiative comes in response to the confirmation of three isolated cases of polio in the wilayas of Touggourt, Tamanrasset, and Bordj Badji Mokhtar. Tragically, all three affected children had not received any prior polio vaccinations.
While these cases are limited, the Ministry of Health is proactively initiating a nationwide vaccination campaign scheduled from November 30th to December 6th as part of the National Vaccination Days against Polio. The primary objective is to bolster collective immunity and avert any potential resurgence of the disease.
According to data released by regional health directorates, the National Vaccination Days will utilize oral polio vaccines (nVPO2) specifically targeting children aged two to 59 months. Health officials emphasize that polio is a serious illness that can lead to permanent disability. However, they stress that prevention is simple and effective through vaccination.
Sources confirm that the vaccine is safe and highly effective, remaining the optimal method for safeguarding children and preventing the return of polio. The campaign is a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, aiming to reach all children within the designated age group. Health directorates assert that just two doses of the vaccine are sufficient to provide robust immunity against a disease that could otherwise impact an individual for life.
Many individuals, deprived of these simple drops in their childhood, find themselves confined to wheelchairs in their adult years.
Health directorates are urging all parents to promptly vaccinate their children to protect their health, well-being, and contribute to a polio-free society. This effort to bolster collective immunity encourages parents to visit vaccination units once the campaign begins, under the slogan: “Together Towards a Successful Vaccination Campaign to Protect Our Children.”
Health officials in Chlef have emphasized that young children are the most vulnerable to the disease, underscoring the importance of widespread vaccination efforts.
