Fada N’Gourma – Polio may be a severe illness, yet it is entirely preventable through vaccination. In Burkina Faso, mothers are acutely aware of this and take daily action to shield their children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Nadège Thiombiano, a resident of Fada N’Gourma within the catchment area of the Centre de santé et de Promotion sociale (CSPS) Sector 9, and mother to 13-month-old Mouzaratou, remains vigilant about her child’s health. Upon learning of a new polio vaccination campaign, she rose early to prepare her daughter—her mission was clear: to protect Mouzaratou from this crippling disease. For Nadège, vaccination is both a maternal duty and a solemn promise. «I’ve seen what polio does to a child. As long as I live, none of my children will miss their vaccine,» she vows.

Nadège recalls witnessing polio’s devastating effects, a memory that deepens her commitment to vaccination today. «Vaccination is life,» she states simply. Guided by this belief, Mouzaratou has received all scheduled vaccines, including the polio immunization.

On November 7, 2025, health workers at CSPS Sector 09 were already mobilized at dawn. During the polio vaccination drive (November 7–10), 5,290 children aged 0–59 months were immunized in their catchment area—a coverage rate exceeding 104%, surpassing the initial target of 5,060 children.

André Yonli, Head Nurse at CSPS Sector 09, attributes this success to «the dedication of parents, the tireless efforts of vaccinators, and the work of social mobilizers.» He emphasizes that this achievement stems from meticulous coordination among health system actors and unwavering community engagement. «We held multiple advocacy and mobilization meetings to address challenges swiftly. Mobile teams reached remote areas, including unplanned neighborhoods and sites for internally displaced persons, thanks to precise planning and continuous monitoring.»

Like other health facilities in the district, CSPS Sector 09 benefited from enhanced training in data management and interpersonal communication to better educate families. Communication was pivotal: social mobilization sessions engaged religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society groups, including women’s associations.

These efforts are yielding results, as evidenced by Talato Lompo, a mother of four. «Before, rumors made me fear vaccines would sicken my children. But after health workers explained their importance daily, I realized their value. Now, my children rarely fall ill since they’ve been vaccinated—and that’s why I’ve committed to continuing their immunization,» she shares.

Adjaratou Ouoba, a community health worker and national health volunteer, celebrates this positive shift. «Sensitization and social mobilization have heightened awareness of polio’s dangers and the critical role of vaccination. Parents like Nadège are now proactive in ensuring their children’s protection,» she notes.

The Fada N’Gourma District Medical Chief, Dr. Sandrine Bienvenue Sam, also commends the steadfast support of technical and financial partners, particularly the World Health Organization (WHO), which guided the campaign from planning to post-evaluation. «WHO provided logistical and technical backing for vaccine transport, team supervision, and data collection. Over 20 experts—epidemiologists, communication specialists, and administrators—were deployed to ensure flawless operations,» she explains.

The district’s collaborative approach proved highly effective: over 134,000 children were vaccinated, achieving a coverage rate of over 103%. These figures underscore Burkina Faso’s commitment to maintaining its polio-free status since 2015 and preventing any resurgence.

For Nadège, these statistics reflect a tangible reality: healthy children growing up. As she holds her daughter close, she encapsulates every parent’s motivation: «This vaccine is a small act, but it protects a lifetime.»

The campaigns continue, and every parent plays a vital role in keeping Burkina Faso polio-free. By vaccinating their children, families safeguard progress and pave the way for a future where polio is nothing more than a distant memory. Through community dedication and partner support, every child in Burkina Faso can thrive in good health.