Africa: 85% of Children Affected By Polio in 2023 Lived in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Countries

In 2023, 85% of the 541 children affected by polio globally live in fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable countries, where routine childhood immunization rates have dropped below the necessary level for community immunity. Polio cases have more than doubled in these settings in the past five years, with the collapse of healthcare systems and other destabilizing factors contributing to the resurgence of the disease. UNICEF and partners have intensified emergency responses to polio outbreaks in conflict-affected areas, emphasizing the importance of vaccination campaigns and humanitarian pauses to reach vulnerable children. The battle against polio is challenging but within reach, requiring prioritization of vaccination efforts, strengthening of immunization systems, protection of healthcare workers, and increased resources for eradication initiatives. The current polio outbreak in Kenya is exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and disruptions in routine vaccination services.

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