Despite the numerous vaccination campaigns carried out by the Ministry of Health and Social Action, the fight against polio in Senegal continues to be met with reluctance in some communities. In response to the resurgence of polio cases, Senegal launched last year a mass vaccination campaign targeting all children aged nine months and integrated into the Extended Vaccination Programme (PEV). However, the defiance of a fringe of the population compromises the efforts of the health authorities. “There are populations who categorically refuse to be vaccinated. According to Dr Ndiaye, these refusals are often linked to misunderstanding, lack of information or erroneous beliefs about vaccines. He also stressed the need to adopt strategies adapted to sensitize parents and dispel doubts. Based on data relayed by Sud Quotidien, he recalled that in 2021, 18 cases of polio had been reported, which had led to the organization of vaccination campaigns in December 2021 and in February 2022. This year, eight new cases were identified through environmental monitoring sites, confirming the need to intensify the response.
Poliomyelitis in Senegal: between reluctance and response, a race against the clock for eradication
