A nationwide Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) campaign kicked off today(26th May) targeting 1.46 million children in Nepal. The campaign aims to vaccinate children who missed their regular polio vaccinations between 2016 and 2018 (2073-2075 BS in the Nepali calendar) due to a global shortage of the IPV vaccine.
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It invades the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis in a matter of hours. While most cases cause no symptoms, some people experience fever, sore throat, muscle weakness, and even death in severe situations.
“The IPV vaccination campaign has begun in all 77 districts of the country,” said Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, head of the Central Vaccination Campaign. “The vaccine is available at all regular vaccination centers.”
The campaign will run until June 8th, 2024.
While polio vaccinations began in Nepal in 2014 (2071 BS), a lack of IPV vaccines worldwide disrupted the program between 2016 and 2018. This campaign aims to ensure all children are protected against this debilitating disease.
