South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has launched an ambitious, integrated health campaign to protect millions of its citizens from two serious diseases: polio and schistosomiasis.
The campaign, a collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, aims to immunize 2.1 million children against polio and provide preventive treatment to 1.2 million people for schistosomiasis.
Kick started Tuesday the door-to-door campaign, running from September 23 to 26, 2025, will see health workers and volunteers deploy across 40 counties.
The initiative will administer the novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to children under five years old.
At the same time, it will provide Praziquantel tablets to combat schistosomiasis to school-aged children and at-risk communities in three specific counties: Awerial, Renk, and Bor South.
This integrated strategy is a significant step forward in public health efficiency.
By addressing two major health priorities in one coordinated effort, the campaign maximizes resources and outreach, especially in difficult-to-access areas.
“This dual strategy aims to overcome the challenges of reaching populations in difficult-to-access areas and improving vaccination coverage,” said Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, Minister of Health. She urged parents and communities to ensure their children are vaccinated to strengthen their immunity.
The campaign is crucial for reaching children who were missed during previous immunization drives and routine vaccinations, helping to boost their immunity against polio.
WHO and UNICEF representatives praised the government’s leadership.
Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative, highlighted South Sudan’s consistent resolve to fight polio through strengthened surveillance and trained healthcare workers. While Mr. Obia Ochieng, Acting UNICEF Representative, emphasized that “every child has the right to health and to thrive,” and this campaign is a proactive step toward protecting that right.
The entire initiative is supported by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which provides comprehensive support that goes beyond just vaccine donation.
Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms, is prevalent in tropical regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. nOPV2 is a new, more genetically stable vaccine specifically designed to combat circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks.
