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Nationwide Polio Vaccination Drive Reaches Over 26 Million Children in Ethiopia
In a significant public health achievement, Ethiopia’s fourth round of the national polio immunization campaign utilizing the novel type 2 Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2) successfully vaccinated more than 26 million children across all regions. Notably, in 22 zones spanning seven regions-including Amhara, Oromia, Somali, Southern Ethiopia, Harari, Dire Dawa, and Afar-the campaign strategically combined nOPV2 with the bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) to maximize immunity coverage.
Official Launch and High-Level Endorsements
The campaign was officially inaugurated on December 12, 2025, in Hawassa, Sidama Region, with prominent figures in attendance. Her Excellency Dr. Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, alongside Mr. Beyene Berasa, Deputy Regional President of Sidama, Dr. Messay Hailu, Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, and representatives from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), underscored the national commitment to eradicating polio.
Government’s Pledge to Eradicate Poliovirus Transmission
Dr. Mekdes Daba reiterated Ethiopia’s unwavering dedication to halting poliovirus spread. “Since our country was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2017, we have been steadfast in our efforts to complete the final phase of polio eradication. Our goal is to ensure no child remains unvaccinated. This house-to-house campaign will also integrate critical health services such as enhanced surveillance for Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), identification and follow-up of zero-dose and under-immunized children, nutrition assessments, growth monitoring, and surveillance for Marburg virus. Through collaboration with partners, communities, and healthcare workers, we aim to bolster immunity, improve disease monitoring, and safeguard our children’s health,” she affirmed.
Global Partners Applaud Ethiopia’s Strategic Approach
Representing the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Professor Francis Kasolo, WHO’s Ethiopia Representative, praised the Ethiopian government’s leadership, particularly the innovative decision to co-administer bOPV alongside nOPV2 in targeted zones. “This dual vaccination strategy is pivotal in accelerating the interruption of type 2 poliovirus transmission and enhances Ethiopia’s capacity to combat other poliovirus variants,” he stated.
Comprehensive Vaccination Efforts Throughout 2025
Throughout 2025, Ethiopia completed four rounds of nOPV2 immunization campaigns-one nationwide and three sub-national-between February and December. These efforts were spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), with vital support from WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, Gavi, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other immunization stakeholders.
Strengthening Surveillance and Immunization Systems for a Polio-Free Future
These vaccination rounds have been instrumental in Ethiopia’s broader strategy to halt variant poliovirus transmission, close immunity gaps, and enhance disease surveillance. Building on these successes, the country is intensifying efforts to improve vaccine-preventable disease monitoring, foster cross-border collaboration, and reinforce routine immunization programs to ensure comprehensive protection for every child.
Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners have reiterated their steadfast commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s mission, emphasizing that sustained collective action is essential to achieving a polio-free world.
