Six cases of poliomyelitis have been detected across three districts in the Atsimo Andrefana region. A massive vaccination campaign has been launched. Despite Madagascar officially announcing the end of its polio epidemic in May 2025, the disease persists. Since the beginning of this year, six polio cases have been identified in Atsimo Andrefana, including one in Belamonty commune in Betioky Sud district, one in Belalanda in Toliara II district, and four in Toliara I. According to data from the Atsimo Andrefana regional health directorate, the four cases detected in Toliara I are carriers of poliovirus, while the two patients in other districts are paralyzed. Active surveillance through wastewater sample analysis in Toliara has confirmed the presence of poliovirus. "Routine vaccination remains the best shield to protect children under five from polio," said Lova Renée, Child Advocate and youth defender for Unicef in Madagascar, speaking at the launch of the vaccination campaign for the south yesterday at Mahavatse Toliara health center. Health ministry officials, UN representatives, local authorities, and Rotary Club International members attended and emphasized the importance of vaccinating children aged 0 to 59 months. Officials explained that the disease persists due to low vaccination coverage in remote areas. Proximity Strategy For Atsimo Andrefana, awareness activities will use a new communication approach. "To better convince vaccination hesitants, awareness campaigns will be conducted door-to-door during this vaccination drive," said Haingo Ranoharisoa, president of the national "Polioplus Madagascar" commission, which coordinates awareness efforts and mobilizes funds for polio. These grassroots awareness activities are supported by Rotary Club International, which has provided nearly 50 million dollars in donations for polio vaccination worldwide since 1988. The vaccination campaign runs from today until August 14. Five southern regions—Atsimo Andrefana, Androy, Anosy, Atsimo Atsinanana, and Ihorombe—are simultaneously conducting their own campaigns. Approximately two thousand teams will be deployed across the five regions to raise awareness and vaccinate 1.173 million children aged 0 to 5. Nearly seven thousand fokontany across twenty-five districts will be targeted. "A single unvaccinated child poses a major risk to the entire country," a Unicef official reminded.