Burkina Faso: protecting a lifetime through crucial polio vaccination efforts

Fada N’Gourma – Poliomyelitis, a severe yet preventable disease, continues to be a focus for public health initiatives. In Burkina Faso, mothers are acutely aware of this threat and demonstrate unwavering commitment daily to shield their children from vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Nadège Thiombiano, a resident of Fada N’Gourma within the operational area of Health and Social Promotion Center (CSPS) Sector 9, is a vigilant mother to her 13-month-old daughter, Mouzaratou. Upon learning of a new polio vaccination drive, she rose early to prepare her child. Her resolve was absolute: to safeguard Mouzaratou from the debilitating disease. For Nadège, vaccination is both a maternal imperative and a solemn pledge. « I understand the devastating impact polio can have on a child. As long as I live, none of my children will miss their vaccinations, » she shared.

Nadège vividly recalls witnessing individuals affected by polio, a memory that solidifies her dedication to immunization today. « Vaccination is life, » she stated simply. Driven by this conviction, Mouzaratou has received all scheduled immunizations, including the vital polio vaccine.

On November 7, 2025, health personnel from CSPS Sector 09 were actively engaged from dawn. During the polio vaccination campaign, which ran from November 7 to 10, an impressive 5,290 children aged 0 to 59 months were immunized within their designated area. This achievement represents a coverage rate exceeding 104%, surpassing the initial target of 5,060 children.

According to André Yonli, head nurse at CSPS Sector 09, « these figures reflect the strong engagement of parents, the diligent work of the vaccination teams, and the dedication of social mobilizers. » He elaborated that this success stems from rigorous coordination among health system stakeholders and the consistent involvement of community actors. « We organized numerous advocacy and mobilization meetings to pinpoint challenges and implement swift solutions. Mobile teams successfully reached remote areas, including unzoned neighborhoods and sites for internally displaced persons, thanks to meticulous planning and continuous oversight. »

Similar to other health facilities in the district, the CSPS benefited from capacity building in data management and interpersonal communication, enhancing their ability to inform families effectively. Communication played a pivotal role: social mobilization sessions were conducted with religious and traditional leaders, as well as civil society organizations, including women’s associations.

These concerted efforts are yielding positive outcomes, as evidenced by Talato Lompo, a mother of four. « Previously, with all the rumors circulating, I believed vaccination would make my children ill. Thanks to the daily explanations provided by health workers, I grasped its importance some time ago. Today, I observe that my children rarely fall sick since they’ve been vaccinated. That’s why I’ve committed to continuing their immunization schedule. »

Adjaratou Ouoba, a community health worker and national volunteer for health promotion, expressed her satisfaction with this encouraging trend. « Through awareness campaigns and social mobilization, mothers are increasingly conscious of polio’s dangers and the critical role of vaccination. Many parents, like Nadège, are taking proactive steps to ensure their children are protected. »

Dr. Sandrine Bienvenue Sam, Chief Medical Officer for the Fada N’Gourma district, also commended the steadfast support from technical and financial partners, particularly the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO provided comprehensive assistance, from initial planning to post-campaign evaluation. « WHO contributed logistical and technical support for vaccine transportation, team supervision, and data collection. They also deployed over twenty experts on the ground, including epidemiologists, communication specialists, and administrators, to ensure the quality and reliability of operations. »

The achieved results underscore the effectiveness of this collaborative approach: over 134,000 children across the health district received vaccinations, achieving a coverage rate exceeding 103%. These figures reaffirm Burkina Faso’s commitment to maintaining its polio-free status since 2015 and preventing any resurgence of the virus.

For Nadège, these statistics translate into a tangible reality: children growing up healthy. Holding her daughter close, she succinctly captured the motivation of countless parents: « This vaccine is a small gesture, but it protects an entire lifetime. »

Vaccination campaigns persist, and every parent plays a crucial role in keeping Burkina Faso free from polio. By vaccinating their children, families not only help preserve past achievements but also secure a future where polio is merely a distant memory. Through community engagement and partner support, every child can be protected and benefit from a healthy future.