The Ministry of Health has announced a resounding success for the second phase of the national polio vaccination campaign. From December 21 to 30, 2025, health teams across the country administered vital polio drops to 3,838,881 children under the age of five, achieving an impressive coverage rate of 96%. This figure is not just a statistic; it represents a crucial step toward the ultimate goal of polio eradication and the protection of an entire generation from a debilitating disease.
This high coverage rate is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the country’s integrated public health strategy. The campaign’s alignment with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines—which emphasize synchronized, high-coverage campaigns to interrupt virus transmission—has proven essential. Achieving such a rate requires immense logistical coordination, from maintaining the vaccine cold chain to deploying teams to remote areas, demonstrating a robust and functional health system at work.
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Behind these numbers lies a monumental national effort. The Ministry of Health extended its profound gratitude to the frontline health workers whose dedication made this possible, often in challenging conditions. Success also depended on a whole-of-society approach, involving multiple government sectors, international partners, civil society organizations, and the media in a unified mobilization effort. Crucially, the trust and cooperation of parents were the cornerstone of the campaign’s reach, highlighting the importance of ongoing public health communication.
However, the fight against polio is not won in a single round. The Ministry urgently reminded all parents and caregivers of the critical third phase, scheduled for January 25 to 31, 2026. Polio vaccination requires multiple doses to ensure complete immunity. A child missed in this final phase remains vulnerable, potentially undermining the collective progress made. Every dose is a layer of defense, not just for the individual child, but for the community, creating the “herd immunity” necessary to stop the virus for good.
As the nation prepares for this final push, the 96% coverage from Phase Two serves as both an inspiration and a benchmark. The goal for Phase Three must be to reach every last child, ensuring no one is left unprotected. The success so far reflects a national commitment to health; finishing the task will secure that legacy for future generations.