World Polio Day: More Actors Involved

T he Rotary Club Douala has in­ tensified efforts to eradicate polio through a marathon or­ ganised on Sunday, October 25, at the esplanade of the Central Post Office in Bonanjo, Douala, as part of activities to commemorate World Polio Day. During the opening ceremony, the Littoral Regional Delegate of Public Health, Charles Yopndoi, called on parents to ensure that their children receive all recommended doses of polio vaccine to protect them against the disease. The ceremony also featured the reading of a message from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Ja­ nabi, marking World Polio Day 2026, observed on October 24. In his mes­ sage, Dr Janabi reaffirmed the WHO’s commitment to ensuring that every child grows up free from polio, stres­ sing that vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing the disease, which can cause irre­ versible paralysis. He noted that more than 168 million children re­ ceived at least one dose of polio vaccine through 55 vaccination cam­ paigns conducted in 22 African coun­ tries between January and Septem­ ber 2026. Despite these efforts, he warned that persistent gaps in vac­ cination coverage, funding constraints and population displa­ cement continue to threaten pro­ gress towards eradication. The WHO Regional Director called on governments to sustain political commitment and domestic invest­ ment in immunisation, while urging partners to provide predictable fun­ ding for vaccination campaigns. He also emphasised the importance of disease surveillance, rapid outbreak response and community engage­ ment in reaching children who re­ main...