Zimbabwe launched a nationwide emergency vaccination campaign on Tuesday, targeting over 4 million children under 10. This urgent action follows the confirmation of three polio cases caused by a mutated form of the weakened virus used in oral vaccines.
The mutated virus was identified through laboratory tests on sewage samples collected late last year in Harare, the capital city. Officials confirmed it originated from an oral polio vaccine employed in the global eradication program. While rare, live viruses in vaccines can mutate and trigger new outbreaks, especially in regions with poor sanitation and low vaccination rates.
While global polio cases have plummeted over 99% since the 1988 eradication effort led by the World Health Organization, vaccine-derived strains now account for the majority of paralyzing cases worldwide. To combat this specific threat, Zimbabwe is deploying specialized oral polio vaccines designed to minimize the risk of mutation within the virus itself.
Vaccination teams are fanning out across the country, administering doses both at health facilities and through door-to-door campaigns. The goal is to deliver over 10 million vaccine doses across two rounds in February and March, aiming to immunize more than 95% of children under 10. Achieving this high coverage is crucial to halting further outbreaks.
Despite the alarming recent detections, Zimbabwe hasn’t reported a wild poliovirus case since 1986, according to UNICEF. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora acknowledged the serious nature of the situation but emphasized their swift response. Collaboration with health authorities in other African nations facing similar poliovirus detections is ongoing.
Polio, particularly dangerous for children under 5, can lead to permanent paralysis. The virus spreads through contact with contaminated water, food, or feces, as well as through respiratory droplets from infected individuals.
This emergency campaign highlights the vital role of continued vaccination efforts in eradicating polio globally. By proactively immunizing children and minimizing the risk of vaccine-derived mutations, Zimbabwe and other affected nations can move closer to a polio-free future.
