Dowa Implements Round 2 Polio Supplementary Immunization Campaign

The Dowa District Health Office officially launched Round 2 of the Polio Supplementary Immunization Campaign on April 27, 2026, with vaccination teams deployed across all Traditional Authorities in the district.

Health teams are currently conducting vaccinations in households and schools to increase community acceptance and improve coverage compared to Round 1 of the campaign.

Children targeted for vaccination are receiving the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV) and are being marked with indelible ink on their fingers to ensure accurate monitoring of coverage.

Presenting progress on the ongoing campaign to the District Executive Committee (DEC), Dowa District Hospital District Environmental Health Officer, , said the Round 2 campaign aims to boost immunity among children under the age of 10, interrupt poliovirus transmission, reach children who missed routine immunization, and ensure that every eligible child receives the vaccine regardless of previous vaccination status.

Mtonga said the campaign is targeting all children aged between 0 and 9 years, 11 months, and 29 days, with special focus on hard-to-reach areas, urban settlements, and mobile populations, including residents of .

He added that the campaign is expected to increase polio immunity, reduce the risk of poliovirus transmission, improve vaccination coverage across all zones, and strengthen community trust in immunization services in Dowa District.

Among the mitigation measures being implemented are intensified community sensitization, engagement of local leaders to address vaccine refusals, deployment of mop-up teams for missed children, and extended working hours for vaccination teams.

“Key messages for this campaign are that polio is preventable, the vaccine is safe and effective, every child must be vaccinated, and no child should be missed,” said Mtonga.

He appealed to DEC members to provide leadership and oversight, address misinformation at community level, support community mobilization efforts, strengthen monitoring and accountability, and ensure coordination among sectors.

However, Mtonga noted that the campaign has faced several challenges, including caregiver hesitancy due to misinformation and disinformation, movement of families between villages, children being missed because of seasonal farming activities, and inadequate vaccine supplies.

The Round 2 Polio Supplementary Immunization Campaign is expected to end on May 30, 2026, targeting 239,907 children in Dowa District with support from and .