Lilongwe – Phase 2 of the polio vaccination campaign is now underway across all districts in Malawi, targeting children under the age of 10 from 27–30 April 2026.

This second round follows a polio case detected in Blantyre earlier this year, highlighting the urgency to boost immunity and protect every child.

Marking the commemoration of African Vaccination Week and the launch of nOPV Polio Campaign Round 2, WHO Malawi Representative Dr Charles Kuria Njuguna joined the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Hon. Madalitso Baloyi, and UNICEF Malawi Representative Penelope Campbell on a field visit to Kabudula Health Centre in Lilongwe to monitor progress of the campaign.

The team inspected cold chain systems, water, sanitation and hygiene, vaccine handling, and data quality, and vaccinated children present at the clinic.

After conducting a spot check at Kabudula Community Hospital, Dr Charles Njuguna and Penelope Campbell joined Hon. Madalitso Baloyi at Kabudula Primary School in Senior Chief Kabudula, where they appreciated the progress of the ongoing vaccination exercise among school-going children.

Schools remain one of the key vaccination points, providing an effective platform to reach large numbers of children and ensure no child is left behind in the fight against polio.

During the monitoring visit, Hon. Baloyi underscored the need for stronger collaboration across all sectors to ensure every child is reached. She commended the progress made and called for continued collective action.

“Ending polio requires a whole-of-society approach. Government, partners, community leaders, schools, and parents all have a role to play in ensuring every child is protected,” she said.

Dr Charles Njuguna reaffirmed the World Health Organization’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s polio response. While noting that approximately 91% of children in Malawi receive routine vaccines, he emphasized the need to address pockets of resistance through sustained community engagement and awareness.

UNICEF Malawi Representative Penelope Campbell stated that every child has the right to be protected from preventable diseases like polio. “No child should be left at risk when protection is within our reach,” she said.

Taking place during Africa Vaccination Week (24–30 April), the launch of nOPV Round 2 provides a critical platform to reaffirm Malawi’s commitment to protecting every person, at every age, through immunization.

The World Health Organization continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and partners to ensure no child is left behind in the fight against polio.