-Dr. Clement says, as WHO, GoL launch polio vaccination
By Jerromie S. Walters
Liberia is classified by the International Health Regulations (IHR) as a state no longer infected by cVDPV. However, the government and its partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) office in the country are not complacent by this especially when the IHR noted that the West African state remains vulnerable to re-infection.
To effectuate this commitment, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health in Liberia have launched a four-day campaign to administer the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine type-2 (nOPV2) to children under the age of five in Liberia. The initiative endeavors to ensure that 859,091 children are vaccinated.
Poliomyelitis, commonly shortened polio, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. The nOPV2 vaccine targets the dangerous type-2 strain of poliovirus, which can quickly lead to fatal outcomes if not treated.
To address this, WHO Representative in Liberia, Dr. Clement Peter said the initiative is being influenced by the WHO’s desire for a polio-free Liberia. “Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, and through collective action, we can overcome polio. The success of this campaign hinges on community engagement and awareness. Together, we can empower parents and caregivers to make informed decisions about their children’s health as we propel towards a polio-free Liberia”.
He emphasized the regional nature of the vaccination effort, which he said extends beyond Liberia to neighboring countries such as Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Mali. This coordinated approach aims to create a protective barrier against the spread of polio throughout West Africa.
Also, Dr. Peters emphasized the urgency of vaccination to prevent the introduction of the virus into Liberia. He called on all stakeholders to come together in this vital mission to protect the health and well-being of Liberia’s children.
The WHO Country Representative to Liberia stressed the importance of regional collaboration in the fight against polio and assured the organization’s dedication to stopping the spread of this deadly virus.
Dr. Peters reassured the public about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines and encouraged parents and guardians to comply with the process.
Like Dr. Peter, Liberia’s Health Minister, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, rallied parents to embrace the vaccination process. “We implore all parents and guardians to avail themselves of this opportunity to safeguard the health and future of our children. Together, we can eliminate the threat of polio and build a healthier, more resilient Liberia,” she urged.
At the same time, UNICEF Representative in Liberia Andy Brooks, characterized the initiative as an apt step against polio in Liberia. “I am deeply moved by the dedication and commitment shown by everyone involved in this nationwide campaign. Our goal is clear – to ensure that every child under the age of five is vaccinated and protected from this debilitating disease. We believe that every child, no matter where they live, has the right to a healthy future. This campaign is not just about administering vaccines; it’s about safeguarding the future of Liberia’s children. Together, we can kick Polio out of Liberia,” he said.
Approximately 75% of cases are asymptomatic;[5] mild symptoms that can occur include sore throat and fever; in a proportion of cases, more severe symptoms develop such as headache, neck stiffness, and paresthesia.
These symptoms usually pass within one or two weeks. A less common symptom is permanent paralysis, and possible death in extreme cases. Years after recovery, post-polio syndrome may occur, with a slow development of muscle weakness similar to that which the person had during the initial infection.
