Over 7 million children targeted in Malawi polio vaccine

More than 7 million children below the age of 10 have been earmarked for Malawi’s fourth nationwide polio vaccination campaign, which will run from 11 to 14 August 2026, as the government intensifies efforts to end the ongoing poliovirus outbreak.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation said the campaign aims to vaccinate 7,069,865 children, regardless of their previous vaccination status.

The oral polio vaccine will be administered free of charge through door-to-door visits, government and CHAM health facilities, schools and designated outreach vaccination sites.

Meanwhile,the ministry said the campaign is part of Malawi’s continued response to the poliovirus outbreak, noting that the additional round will help strengthen children’s immunity, reach those who may have been missed in previous campaigns and interrupt transmission of the virus.

The ministry has also urged parents and caregivers to ensure every eligible child receives the oral polio vaccine during the campaign.