The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) and other stakeholders, has announced a nationwide polio vaccination campaign for children following the detection of the virus in environmental samples from Mwanza.
Tanzania, which was declared free of wild poliovirus type 1 in November 2015 by the World Health Organization (WHO), is taking swift action after the virus was detected in Majitaka, Mwanza. No children have been reported ill due to the virus so far.
The campaign will administer the novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to all children under 10 years old, with each child receiving two doses.
The first round of vaccinations is scheduled from March 24 to 27, 2026, and the second round from May 7 to 10, 2026, covering Mwanza and neighboring regions, including Geita, Mara, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Singida, and Tabora.
The initiative aims to protect children from polio type 2, which can cause paralysis, and prevent further outbreaks.
To achieve comprehensive coverage, the Ministry of Health, together with local leaders and vaccination teams, plans to reach approximately 6.8 million children across the seven regions.
A total of 14,436 vaccination teams, each comprising a vaccinator, community mobilizer, and recorder, will operate at health facilities, homes, schools, places of worship, bus stations, and markets.
Regional and district authorities have been directed to ensure sufficient vaccine supplies, equipment, and trained staff, while public education and community engagement efforts will be intensified to encourage participation.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and continue preventive measures, seek medical attention if a child shows sudden signs of paralysis, and ensure all children receive their polio vaccinations according to the recommended schedule.
This campaign reflects Tanzania’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding children’s health and maintaining the country’s polio-free status.