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Malawi Fights Resurgent Polio From Vaccine Strain
13 Feb
Summary
- Malawi launched a vaccination campaign against a vaccine-derived polio virus.
- The virus was detected in sewage water in the southern city of Blantyre.
- This campaign aims to administer 1.7 million doses to children nationwide.
In Malawi, a new vaccination campaign began on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to combat a resurgence of polio. The campaign was prompted by the detection of the vaccine-derived Type 2 polio virus strain in sewage water in Blantyre, the southern city. This marks a significant setback in global eradication efforts, as these vaccine-derived strains have become a complex challenge.
Health officials are administering an oral vaccine designed to protect against this specific strain. The campaign aims to reach 1.7 million children through school and door-to-door initiatives. Malawi's Deputy Health Minister, Charles Chilambula, emphasized the importance of immediate vaccination to address the detected virus. Polio, a highly contagious disease, can cause irreversible paralysis, affecting the nervous system.
Despite significant global progress in reducing wild polio virus cases by over 99% since 1988, eradication remains elusive. Malawi had previously reported a wild polio virus case in 2022, the first in 30 years. UNICEF's Malawi Chief of Health, Dr. Joe Collins Opio, stated the campaign would expand nationally, urging widespread participation.
Health workers are crucial in reaching remote populations, utilizing cooler boxes and motorbikes for vaccine distribution. Public health specialists from the WHO are supporting Malawi's efforts to ensure comprehensive vaccination coverage across all communities. Open-air educational events are also being held to promote vaccine awareness.
