ADDIS ABABA – The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has urged all stakeholders to accelerate efforts to see a polio-free Ethiopia.
In its statement sent to The Ethiopian Herald UNICEF stated that Ethiopia is closer than ever to become polio free. Initiatives by the government, development partners and frontline health workers have made significant strides. However, challenges still remain. It is at a high risk of polio cases importation due to recent circulating vaccine-derived polio virus type 2 (cVDPV2) reported in neighboring countries.
With 65 cVPDV2 cases reported from 2019 to 2022 and 14 cVPDV2 cases in 2024, the country is racing against time to vaccinate children faster than the polio virus can spread. Eradicating polio needs immediate action, the statement added.
“To reach polio free status again, there is a need to see rapid and robust responses to polio outbreaks. We need to reinforce routine immunization programme and make them accessible to every child. We also need to invest more in health systems to make them more resilient and integrated.”
It urged the government, non-governmental partners, and donors to prioritize vaccination of all children against polio, strengthen immunization systems to ensure all children receive essential, lifesaving vaccines, protect humanitarian and healthcare workers delivering vaccines, provide critical resources to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to quickly halt outbreaks and ensure children are vaccinated.
Hence, elevating polio eradication requires political commitment at all levels, prioritizing innovative solutions and coordinated actions to enhance immunization campaign quality.
With life-saving vaccines, commitment and urgent action from governments and partners, it will be possible to see a polio-free Ethiopia, it noted.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024
