Poliomyelitis: Media to Lead Fight against Vaccine Misinformation

As the July 9-12, 2026 National Immunization Days draw near, health authorities in the Littoral Region have enlisted journalists and digital content creators in the fight against misinformation surrounding the polio vaccine. During a media briefing held on July 3 in Douala, journalists and bloggers were urged to become trusted voices in educating the public ahead of the SASNIM/JVL polio vaccination campaign. The meeting, led by Littoral Regional Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Coordinator Léonard Ewane, together with central supervisors and technical partners, highlighted the growing threat posed by false information about vaccines. Officials warned that misinformation continues to discourage parents from vaccinating their children, putting communities at risk of preventable outbreaks. Polio remains a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under five. Although infected children may initially appear healthy, the virus silently attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis. Since there is no cure for polio, vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children. Health experts explained that the virus spreads mainly through contaminated food, water, and poor hygiene, making both immunization and...