Health minister reiterates gov't's commitment to combat new polio variants.

The Minister of Public Health, Dr Malachie Manaouda, has reiterated government’s commitment to continue to fight polio in the country. The member of government was speaking October 25 in Yaounde.



This was during a press briefing, which took place at the Public Health Emergency Operations Coordination Centre. It was aimed at updating the public on the epidemiological situation of polio.

According to the health boss, while authorities remain steadfast in their fight against polio, there is need for regional solidarity. He pointed out that a virus as relentless as polio can only be effectively combated through coordinated efforts across national borders. 

“Without regional solidarity, our efforts will be in vain against a virus that knows no boundaries,” he said, adding that polio has remained a challenge not only for Cameroon but also for neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel region.

The stakes, he said, are high as despite global efforts, polio has proven difficult to eradicate, primarily due to the complexities of variant strains that can emerge when immunisation coverage is inconsistent. 

“Vaccine-derived poliovirus variants, which occur when the weakened strain of the virus in the oral polio vaccine mutates and spreads in under-immunised communities, are particularly challenging. For this reason, an effective response must focus on boosting vaccination rates across the board,” he suggested.

According to the minister, in response to the persistent threat and risk of new variants, government has launched a series of robust measures including: enhancing surveillance both at the national and cross-border levels. Surveillance efforts, he said, have been intensified to enable swift detection of new cases.

The minister equally noted that an extensive awareness campaign is underway, with the aim of leveraging media channels and the support of bloggers to inform the public about the importance of vaccination. 

“These efforts aim to reach populations in remote areas, where accessibility often presents a challenge to immunisation,” Dr Manaouda said.

The country, the minister said, has coordinated two rounds of synchronised vaccination with neighbouring countries to address the outbreaks. 

The first round, which began on October 24 and will end on October 27, 2024, covers all regions and targets children between the ages of 0–five years. The second round is scheduled for November and will focus on high-risk areas.

“Recognising that polio knows no borders, the country has strengthened collaboration with countries in the region, working towards a unified response to the poliovirus threat. This approach allows for synchronised immunisation activities and shared resources, ensuring that no community is left behind,” the minister said.

According to Dr Manaouda, “Vaccination remains our most powerful weapon against polio. Every vaccinated child brings us one step closer to a polio-free Cameroon”.

He also expressed gratitude to technical and financial partners, including the World Health Organisation, WHO; United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, and GAVI, for their unwavering support in implementing these initiatives. 

 

Outlines role of media in the fight 

According to the member of government, the media has a crucial role to play in this public health effort. He noted that reliable information dissemination is essential for raising awareness, and the media’s influence is invaluable in educating the public on the availability and benefits of free vaccinations.

Dr Manaouda urged media outlets to counter misinformation and promote understanding within communities. 

“In an age where false narratives can easily undermine public health initiatives, the media’s involvement in delivering fact-based, accessible information is essential,” the minister said.

Although Cameroon was declared free from wild poliovirus in June 2020, the country, at the start of 2021, was faced with the outbreak of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. 

The latest case of the variant was detected as recently as September 2024, highlighting gaps in routine immunisation coverage and underscoring the need for a collaborative, region-wide response to stop the virus from spreading.

 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3273 of Monday October 28, 2024

 

 

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