Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
In a significant move to reinforce its immunization program, Cameroon has received a donation of 2,044,900 doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) from Brazil. The ceremony of handing over the vaccines took place on March 13, 2025, when the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil officially handed over the vaccines to Dr. Malachie Manaouda, Minister of Public Health. The vaccine stock donated worth more than one billion FCFA will support the routine immunization program of the country for a period of six to seven months.
Expressing gratitude for this contribution, Minister Manaouda showed appreciation for Cameroon and Brazil’s firm history of cooperation in the health field. He also suggested undertaking the local production of vaccines, which could be a strategic supply point for Central Africa. Ambassador Patricia Maria Oliveira Lima on her own part emphasized that this contribution was not just an act of generosity, but an act of humanitarian gesture aimed at helping a fellow nation in need.
The arrival of the vaccines comes at a crucial time, especially for the Far North region where the infection of polio has resurfaced. Reports indicate that a nine-year-old girl from Logone-Birni has been crippled for life since December 2024 after she failed to receive her polio vaccination. Her case has been recorded as part of the efforts to raise awareness to alert the public against the risk of contracting polio and why vaccinations are crucial.
Given the strong chance of polio resurfacing in the region, it is essential the vaccine campaign in the Far North be accelerated so that no child goes unvaccinated. Health officials and the community leaders need to bolster awareness drives to counteract vaccine refusal and move into remote villages where immunization rates are low.
