IOM Supports Vital Mass Polio Immunization Campaign in Yemen

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has successfully concluded its participation in Yemen’s National Polio Campaign, led by the Ministry of Public Health and Population, thanks to the dedicated efforts of IOM-supported healthcare workers who administered vaccines to children across six governorates.  

This critical initiative aims to protect Yemeni children from the devastating impacts of polio amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the country. Targeting children under the age of 5, the campaign sought to bolster population immunity and curb the transmission of poliovirus type 2.  

In Yemen, where conflict, economic crisis, and limited public health infrastructure exacerbate health challenges, immunization is essential. Through the collaborative efforts of local authorities, healthcare workers, community volunteers, and partners, the national campaign successfully reached 1.2 million children in both host communities and sites for internally displaced persons.  

“In the face of Yemen’s ongoing crisis, the polio vaccination campaign represents a critical lifeline for children,” declared IOM’s Acting Chief of Mission in Yemen, Matt Huber. “Amidst the challenges of conflict and chronic funding shortages, ensuring access to vaccinations is paramount to protecting our youngest and most vulnerable population.”  

Throughout the campaign, 18 mobile medical teams (MMTs) and 80 community health volunteers (CHVs) engaged in extensive awareness-raising initiatives aimed to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation within communities. These efforts reached over 31,000 people across the governorates of Aden, Al Hodeidah, Lahj, Ma’rib, Shabwah, and Taiz.  

“As part of the vaccination team, I’m committed to raising awareness about polio and promoting vaccination to protect our children’s health,” explained Saeed, a CHV in Ma’rib. “We visit families door-to-door, informing them about the importance of immunization in preventing this disease. Our goal is to ensure everyone understands how crucial vaccination is for safeguarding the health of our children and future generations.”  

Yusra, a mother of four from a remote village in Ta’iz, first learned about polio when a CHV visited her home. Concerned for her children’s health, Yusra decided to vaccinate them after understanding the risks. “I never realized how vulnerable my children were,” she said, emphasizing the importance of the volunteers in disseminating vital health information.  

MMTs and CHVs play a pivotal role for families like Yusra’s in providing essential healthcare services in areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited. Through their efforts, they facilitate the provision of urgent medical care, referrals, and support, ultimately contributing to the overall health and well-being of displaced populations and host communities.  

Despite the daunting challenges posed by the conflict and humanitarian crisis, IOM remains committed to supporting public health initiatives in Yemen and advocates for access to essential healthcare services for those most vulnerable.  

IOM’s participation in Yemen’s National Polio Campaign was made possible thanks to the support of EU Humanitarian Aid, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, the Government of Japan, Yemen Humanitarian Fund, and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

For more information, please contact: 

Monica Chiriac, Media and Communications Officer, mchiriac@iom.int 

IOM Yemen’s Communications Team, iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int