Fada N’Gourma – Poliomyelitis, a severe and debilitating disease, is entirely preventable through vaccination. In Burkina Faso, mothers deeply understand this reality, dedicating themselves daily to safeguarding their children from vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Nadège Thiombiano, a resident of Fada N’Gourma within the service area of Sector 9’s Health and Social Promotion Center (CSPS), is the vigilant mother of 13-month-old Mouzaratou. Upon hearing about a new polio vaccination drive, she rose early to prepare her daughter. Her aim was clear: to shield Mouzaratou from this dangerous disease. For Nadège, immunization is both a maternal duty and a solemn pledge. “I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects polio can have on a child. As long as I live, none of my children will miss their vaccinations,” she affirmed.

Nadège’s vivid recollections of individuals affected by polio fuel her steadfast dedication to immunization today. “Vaccination means life,” she simply states. Driven by this conviction, Mouzaratou has received all scheduled immunizations, including the vital polio vaccine.

On November 7, 2025, health workers from CSPS Sector 09 began their day at dawn. During the polio vaccination campaign, which ran from November 7 to 10, a remarkable 5,290 children aged 0 to 59 months were immunized within their designated responsibility zone. This achievement represents an impressive coverage rate exceeding 104%, surpassing the initial target of 5,060 children.

André Yonli, the head nurse at CSPS Sector 09, noted, “These figures underscore the active participation of parents, alongside the diligent efforts of our vaccination teams and social mobilizers.” He elaborated that this success stems from rigorous coordination among health system stakeholders and the consistent dedication of community actors. “We conducted numerous advocacy and mobilization meetings to identify challenges and implement rapid solutions. Mobile teams successfully reached remote areas, including informal settlements and sites hosting internally displaced persons, thanks to meticulous planning and continuous monitoring.”

Like other health facilities in the district, the CSPS benefited from enhanced capacities in data management and interpersonal communication, enabling more effective family outreach. Communication proved to be a pivotal strategy: social mobilization sessions were organized with religious and customary leaders, civil society organizations, and women’s associations.

These concerted efforts are yielding positive outcomes, as evidenced by Talato Lompo, a mother of four. “Previously, due to various rumors, I believed vaccination would make my children ill. However, thanks to the daily explanations from health workers, I grasped its importance some time ago. Now, I observe that my children rarely fall sick since they’ve been vaccinated. That’s why I am committed to continuing their immunization.”

Adjaratou Ouoba, a community health worker and national health promotion volunteer, expressed her satisfaction with this encouraging trend. “Through awareness campaigns and social mobilization, mothers are increasingly recognizing the dangers of polio and the critical role of vaccination. Many parents, like Nadège, are proactively ensuring their children receive protection.”

Dr. Sandrine Bienvenue Sam, Chief Medical Officer for the Fada N’Gourma district, also commended the consistent support from technical and financial partners, particularly the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO provided comprehensive assistance throughout the process, from planning to post-campaign evaluation. “The WHO supplied logistical and technical support for vaccine transport, team supervision, and data collection. They also deployed over twenty field experts, including epidemiologists, communication specialists, and administrators, to guarantee the quality and reliability of operations.”

The achieved results demonstrate the efficacy of this collaborative approach: over 134,000 children were vaccinated across the health district, achieving a coverage rate exceeding 103%. These statistics reaffirm Burkina Faso’s commitment to maintaining its polio-free status since 2015 and preventing any re-emergence of the virus.

For Nadège, these figures translate into a tangible reality: healthy children thriving. As she held her daughter close, she succinctly summarized the motivation for countless parents: “This vaccine is a small action, but it offers protection for an entire lifetime.”

As immunization campaigns continue, every parent plays a crucial role in keeping Burkina Faso free from polio. By vaccinating their children, families not only help preserve past achievements but also contribute to securing a future where poliomyelitis is merely a distant memory. Through community engagement and robust partner support, every child can be safeguarded, ensuring a healthy future for all.