Nationwide polio vaccination drive announced after environmental detection
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) of Namibia has announced a nationwide polio vaccination campaign following the detection of poliovirus Type 2 in Kavango East. The discovery, made on 13 November 2025 through routine environmental surveillance of a sewage sample collected in Ndama, Rundu, has prompted authorities to mobilize a comprehensive immunization effort across all 14 regions of the country. Health officials say the campaign is a precautionary, preventive measure designed to safeguard children and vulnerable populations against potential poliovirus transmission.
What triggered the response?
The poliovirus detection in Kavango East marks a critical epidemiological alert. Environmental surveillance can identify virus fragments in wastewater that may not yet be detected through clinical cases. While no paralytic polio cases have been confirmed, the MoHSS stresses that early action is essential to prevent outbreaks. The ministry has collaborated with regional health directorates, international partners, and local communities to ensure a rapid and uniform response.
Key aspects of the vaccination drive
- Scope: A nationwide immunization campaign targeting children under five, with catch-up activities for school-aged children and at-risk groups where applicable.
- Timeline: The campaign is expected to roll out in the coming days across urban and rural areas, with fixed immunization posts and outreach teams visiting communities that are hard to reach.
- Vaccine used: Poliovirus vaccines recommended by global health authorities will be deployed, following national immunization guidelines and cold chain standards.
- Safety and surveillance: Vaccination sites will monitor for adverse events, and data will be shared with national health informatics systems to track coverage and any potential clusters.
Protecting children and communities
Polio remains a disease preventable by vaccination. Namibia’s health authorities emphasize that high immunization coverage is crucial to prevent transmission, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare. The current drive aims to close immunity gaps, strengthen herd protection, and maintain the country’s polio-free status in collaboration with regional districts and non-governmental organizations.
What the MoHSS is asking from communities
Officials urge caregivers to bring children to vaccination sites during the campaign periods and to ensure immunization cards are up to date. In some communities, mobile clinics and door-to-door outreach will be employed to maximize reach. Parents and guardians are also reminded to continue routine immunizations and to report any concerns to healthcare workers promptly.
Public health context and international cooperation
The detection in Kavango East aligns with global surveillance trends where environmental sampling helps detect silent circulation of poliovirus. Namibia is working with regional partners and international health bodies to maintain robust vaccination coverage and to monitor the situation closely. Regular updates will be provided by the MoHSS as new information becomes available.
What comes next
Beyond the immediate vaccination campaign, health authorities plan to review and strengthen surveillance systems, community engagement strategies, and logistics, including vaccine supply chains and cold chain integrity. The goal is to ensure rapid response capacity for any future detections and to sustain long-term protection against poliovirus in Namibia.
