By Tommy Francis Alpha – Health Education, MoH, Intern.
In a significant step towards safeguarding the health of its population, the National Public Health Agency of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UNICEF and various health partners, recently held a press conference to announce the commencement of the third phase of the Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA3) scheduled for September 27th 2024. Round 1 and 2 of the National Polio Vaccination Campaigns were held in May and June, this year. This initiative comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with the resurgence of polio cases and the imperative to raise awareness about vaccination among communities. This article explores the importance of health education in combating polio, the current status of the disease in Sierra Leone, and the vital role of vaccination in public health.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under the age of five. It can cause irreversible paralysis and, in severe cases, can be fatal. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have long recognized the need for comprehensive vaccination programs to eradicate this preventable disease in the West African Sub-region, particularly in Sierra Leone. According to recent data from WHO and UNICEF, Sierra Leone has reported a concerning increase in polio cases, with the country classified as “high-risk” for polio transmission. “The campaigns,” according to the WHO Representative in Sierra Leone, Dr. Innocent Nuwagira “are a result of a declaration of a vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreak in January this year, following isolation of polio variant cVDPV2 in an environmental sample from the Marbella Sawmill bridge in the Western Area Urban (WAU) district. Since then, 14 additional cases of the same polio variant have been recorded from four environmental sites in the Western Area Urban and Western Area Rural (WAR) districts of the country,” he said.
The WHO’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative emphasizes that vaccination is the most effective measure to protect children against polio. Vaccines work, vaccines are safe, and vaccines save lives by providing a crucial shield against dangerous diseases. The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) are both critical in achieving herd immunity, thereby preventing the transmission of the virus. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, misinformation and a lack of awareness about polio and its implications remain significant barriers to achieving high vaccination coverage in Sierra Leone.
The press conference held at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on Wilkinson Road, highlighted the collaborative efforts between the government and health organizations to address these challenges. Health education is pivotal to these efforts, as it empowers communities with knowledge about the importance of vaccination. By raising awareness, health officials aim to dispel myths surrounding vaccination and encourage parents to immunize their children. This initiative is particularly crucial in rural areas, where access to healthcare services is often limited, and misconceptions about vaccines are prevalent.
The role of community health workers cannot be overstated in this context. They are often the first point of contact for families seeking health information. Training these workers to effectively communicate the benefits of vaccination and address concerns can significantly impact vaccination rates. Workshops and community gatherings can serve as platforms for disseminating vital information about polio, its symptoms, and the importance of timely vaccination.
During this round, the vaccine supply for Sierra Leone increased from 1.75m to 2.07m in 14 districts, with WAU and WAR districts to commence in October this year.
In 2023, WHO reported that the global polio vaccination coverage rate had stagnated at approximately 86%, a significant reduction from the 90% coverage needed for herd immunity. In Sierra Leone, the vaccination coverage for polio is alarmingly low, with some regions reporting less than 70% coverage in recent years. This gap not only puts children at risk but also increases the likelihood of polio outbreaks, as seen in the last few years.
The ongoing SIA aims to reach unvaccinated children and reinforce immunity among those who have already received vaccinations. The initiative will include house-to-house visits, community mobilization, and collaboration with local leaders to ensure that every child is reached. Health agencies are emphasizing the need for parents to be proactive in seeking out vaccination opportunities for their children and to understand that vaccination is a community responsibility.
To improve the reach of all children under 5 during this round, Sierra Leone’s health partners have committed to support government in conducting micro plans in WAU and WAR districts ahead of the campaign with a need to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Education and all stakeholders to ensure that all children are vaccinated.
The Media
Media plays a crucial role in health education. Journalists can help amplify the messages from health authorities, create awareness campaigns, and highlight personal stories from families affected by polio.
Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Lead, Government of Sierra Leone, Harold Thomas emphasized on the need for message promotion and dissemination, which he said is powerful to educate, inform, and mobilize individuals and families, safeguarding the health of the population. By providing accurate information and countering false narratives, media outlets can foster a culture of trust in health services.
Social media also offers a powerful avenue for spreading awareness. Campaigns targeting younger audiences, particularly parents, can utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to disseminate information quickly and efficiently. Engaging visuals, infographics, and videos can help convey complex information in an accessible manner, ensuring that the message reaches a broader audience. The message for the campaign according to a UNICEF Social Media consultant is “Polio Free Salone.”
Community Stakeholders
The involvement of local leaders is also critical in the fight against polio. Traditional and community leaders can influence public opinion and encourage families to prioritize immunization. By partnering with these leaders, health agencies can create more effective outreach strategies tailored to community needs and cultural contexts.
In conclusion, raising awareness about polio and vaccination in Sierra Leone is an urgent priority that requires a multifaceted approach. The upcoming Supplementary Immunization Activity represents a vital opportunity to enhance vaccination coverage and educate communities about the importance of protecting their children from polio. By leveraging the power of health education, community engagement, and media outreach, Sierra Leone can work towards eradicating polio and ensuring a healthier future for its children.
The challenge remains substantial, but with concerted efforts from the government, health organizations, and the community, a polio-free Sierra Leone is achievable. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of the upcoming immunization activities, understanding that vaccination is not just an individual choice but a collective responsibility that benefits the entire community. The fight against polio is far from over, but with education, awareness, and action, Sierra Leone can turn the tide against this preventable disease.