Togo ramps up post-COVID childhood vaccination drive
Thursday, 19 February 2026 15:12 
(Togo First) - Togo is stepping up efforts to restore childhood vaccination coverage weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the “Big Catch-Up” initiative, implemented with support from UNICEF, more than 40,000 previously unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children have been reintegrated into routine immunization services, according to data recently released to the media.
Between 2020 and 2022, disruptions to health services left nearly 70,000 children without a single vaccine dose and more than 94,000 only partially vaccinated. The recovery plan targets 17 priority districts where most zero-dose and under-vaccinated children are concentrated, notably in Greater Lomé, Maritime, Plateaux and Kara.
The strategy combines community outreach, social marketing and strengthened accountability among health officials.
Authorities say initial results are promising. Between July and December 2025, coverage of the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine increased by 58 percentage points in the targeted districts.
The programme relies partly on 157 local committees responsible for raising awareness and identifying unvaccinated children, in an effort to restore public confidence in immunization.
Beyond the immediate vaccination campaign, authorities aim to secure long-term sustainability. That objective was central to discussions held earlier this week with media representatives and technical partners, focused on improving transparency and countering misinformation.
The programme’s long-term viability will depend largely on sustained community engagement, as international partners progressively scale back their support.
R.E.D.
