Togo Launches Second Polio Vaccination Round After 95% First-Phase Coverage

Health

Thursday, 16 April 2026 10:37

Togo Launches Second Polio Vaccination Round After 95% First-Phase Coverage

(Togo First) - Togo's Health Ministry announced on Thursday, April 16, 2026, the start of the second round of its national polio vaccination campaign. The announcement follows an initial round held March 12–14, which health authorities described as satisfactory, with 95% of targeted children vaccinated. This new phase aims to strengthen coverage and halt poliovirus transmission across the country.

Mobile teams will be deployed in urban and rural areas to administer a second dose to children under five. Vaccination remains free as part of the national strategy to eradicate the disease.

The ministry said the second phase is needed to reinforce herd immunity. "Two rounds are required to interrupt virus transmission and protect children over the long term," Secretary-General Dr. Kokou Wotobe said.

Authorities are calling for greater participation from parents, guardians and preschool administrators. Nurseries, daycare centers and kindergartens have also been asked to help vaccination teams gain access.

Polio remains a disabling disease that can cause irreversible paralysis or death. Togolese public health authorities stressed the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent a resurgence.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

REFORMS OVERVIEW

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Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

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