Mogadishu, Somalia – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, has praised Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan for reaffirming their collective commitment to eradicating polio across the Horn of Africa. Health leaders from northern Yemen also joined the pledge, signaling a renewed regional determination to protect children from the crippling disease.
Dr. Balkhy said the countries have agreed to implement high-quality, synchronized vaccination campaigns, strengthen disease surveillance systems, and enhance routine immunization services.
“They pledged to deliver high-quality, synchronized vaccination campaigns, intensify surveillance, and strengthen routine immunization — to protect the children at the heart of our work from polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases,” she noted.
The joint commitment follows recent concerns over cross-border virus transmission and the challenges of reaching vulnerable populations in conflict-affected and remote areas. WHO and partner agencies, including UNICEF and Gavi, continue to support national governments in ensuring that every child receives essential vaccines.
Health experts emphasize that regional coordination remains key to stopping the transmission of poliovirus, particularly in areas where population movement and insecurity hinder vaccination efforts. WHO has urged sustained political commitment, adequate funding, and community engagement to achieve and maintain polio-free status across the Eastern Mediterranean region.