Zambia Launches Third Polio Vaccination Campaign

Government, in partnership with the World Health Organization, has launched the third round of the Oral Polio Vaccination Campaign to protect children under five from the disease.

The launch in Lusaka also saw the commissioning of a 100-kilowatt solar power system at the National Vaccine Store and the handover of a refrigerated vaccine distribution truck by UNICEF to strengthen Zambia's immunisation programme.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said the three initiatives reflect Government's commitment to protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases while building a resilient health system. He said Zambia remains on high alert after a Type 2 poliovirus variant was detected through environmental surveillance earlier this year, though no confirmed paralysis cases have been recorded. The latest round will target all eligible children under five across six high-risk provinces to close immunity gaps.

Mr Kangwa said the US$500,000 solar system will provide reliable, climate-resilient electricity to safeguard vaccine quality, while the refrigerated truck will improve safe transportation to provincial and district facilities.

WHO Country Representative Clement Lasuba praised Zambia's immunisation progress but called for continued investment in routine immunisation and stronger surveillance. UNICEF Country Representative Saja Abdullah said the campaign is vital to stopping poliovirus transmission.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Kennedy Lishimpi said Zambia recorded 39 new measles cases in the past 24 hours across five districts, bringing the cumulative total to 1,014, with 59 patients currently admitted.