Mozambique has exceeded its national polio vaccination target by immunising more than 19 million children under the age of 10, between 2 and 6 June, according to a report released on June 16 by health authorities.
The campaign, aimed at tackling type 2 poliovirus, achieved a 107% coverage rate—surpassing the initial goal of 18.2 million children. National Public Health Director, Quinhas Fernandes, praised the campaign’s reach, with coverage ranging from 96% in Maputo to 111% in Nampula. Evaluation by independent monitors using the Lot Quality Assessment System (LQAS) confirmed that 131 out of 159 districts met the threshold for epidemiological protection, with plans already underway to improve coverage in the remaining 28 districts during a second phase in July.
The mass immunisation drive was conducted across schools, markets, religious centres, border areas, and through door-to-door outreach, supported by around 82,000 trained personnel. The campaign also intensified surveillance efforts for paralytic symptoms in children, contributing to the broader eradication goal. In May 2024, the World Health Organisation considered the outbreak of wild poliovirus type 1 in Mozambique and Malawi to be over—marking a significant milestone for the region. With a second vaccination round scheduled for 8 to 12 July, health officials hope to bolster routine immunisation and community awareness, edging closer to a polio-free Africa.