Algiers, November 24, 2025 – The Ministry of Health has announced the launch of a nationwide polio vaccination campaign, commencing on November 30th. The initiative aims to bolster preventative healthcare measures and enhance collective immunity among children across the country.
According to a statement released by the Ministry, the campaign targets 4,425,502 children aged between two months and 59 months (just under five years old), the demographic considered most vulnerable to the disease. The vaccination program will be implemented across 274 public healthcare facilities.
The campaign is structured around a series of rounds: “The first round will run from November 30th to December 6th, 2025. The second round is scheduled for December 21st to 27th, 2025. A third round, utilizing the injected VPI vaccine, will take place from January 25th to 31st, 2026.”
The Ministry emphasizes that all children within the targeted age group are eligible for all rounds of vaccination, irrespective of their prior routine vaccinations. This inclusive approach ensures maximum protection against the poliovirus.
The launch of this national campaign follows the detection of isolated cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) in certain regions. The Ministry clarifies that these cases do not undermine Algeria’s status as a polio-free country, a certification it has held since 2016.
The oral polio vaccine type 2 (OPV2) has been selected for its effectiveness and safety in combating mutated strains, complementing the existing VPI vaccine.
The Ministry of Health has reiterated the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, underscoring that each dose is crucial in safeguarding children’s health, interrupting the virus’s transmission chain, and strengthening national health security. Parents are strongly encouraged to actively participate in this national campaign by visiting their nearest healthcare facility or mobile vaccination teams during the campaign period to protect their children’s well-being.
