The Algerian Ministry of Health has announced the successful completion of the first two phases of the national polio vaccination campaign, reaching nearly 4 million children across the country. This announcement was made during a press briefing focused on bolstering public confidence in vaccination through performance evaluation and results, held in anticipation of the launch of the third phase of the campaign.
Dr. Djamel Fourar, Director General of Prevention and Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the significant public turnout during the initial phases, emphasizing that this participation would contribute to strengthening collective immunity against polio.
The third phase of the vaccination drive is scheduled to run from January 25th to 31st and will target the same age group: children between two months and five years old. Vaccinations will be administered at 274 public healthcare facilities nationwide.
Professor Ahmed Djenas Massoudi, Head of the National Committee for Polio Eradication, explained that while the first two phases utilized oral vaccines, the upcoming phase will employ injectable vaccines. This shift aims to reinforce and complete the immunization against poliomyelitis.
Dr. Nassima Saai, a specialist in epidemiology and preventive medicine at the University Hospital Center of Hussein Dey, commended the vital role played by the media, imams, religious guides, various civil society actors, and kindergartens in the success of the national vaccination campaign. The collaborative effort has been instrumental in ensuring widespread participation and achieving high vaccination coverage. The Ministry of Health urges all parents and guardians to participate in the third phase to ensure complete protection for their children.
