1,222,196 children were vaccinated during campaigns in the South (UNICEF photo). Since the beginning of the year, six cases of poliomyelitis linked to circulating poliovirus have been recorded in Madagascar; one of them died from the disease. Health authorities are intensifying their campaigns to protect children and achieve vaccination coverage targets.
Six poliomyelitis cases have been recorded since January 2026; one of them did not survive. This situation has alerted the Ministry of Public Health, which has decided to strengthen vaccination campaigns to contain the spread of the virus and ensure better protection for the youngest. Data collected between June and August 2026 reveal that 82% of children received the first dose of oral polio vaccine, against a target of 90%. For the third dose, coverage is 74%, a figure still insufficient given national ambitions.
These gaps demonstrate the need for increased mobilization, particularly in rural areas where access to care remains limited. The campaign organized from August 11-14 in the regions of Anosy, Androy, Atsimo-Andrefana, Atsimo-Atsinanana and Ihorombe vaccinated 1,222,196 children aged 0 to 59 months, out of a total population of over 6.5 million inhabitants. The collection rate reached 104.1%, far exceeding the 95% target, reflecting strong involvement from field teams and local communities. However, 42,661 children remain without any dose, representing a major challenge for health authorities.