In response to growing concerns about a potential polio outbreak in The Gambia, the Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign to protect children from this highly infectious disease. While no official cases of polio have been reported, laboratory analysis of sewage samples sent abroad confirmed the presence of the poliovirus. This development prompted the Ministry to organize a mass vaccination drive from November 12–15 to December 2024.

As a champion of youth-led advocacy and community engagement, the National Youth Parliament – The Gambia (NYP), with support from the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), embarked on a five-day community outreach and social media campaign to raise awareness about the importance of polio vaccination. The campaign focused on increasing vaccination uptake, particularly among children under five, and targeted key communities, including Kanifing, Abuko, and Gunjur. Through this initiative, NYP reached 105 individuals—36 males and 69 females—including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), ensuring that critical health information was accessible to all.

Community Engagement and Key Activities

1. Community Outreach in Abuko

The campaign kicked off on December 14, 2024, in Abuko, where Essa Sanneh, the Abuko Youth Parliamentarian, led an awareness session in collaboration with a public health official from the Ministry of Health. The session focused on educating pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young women of childbearing age about the critical role of vaccination in preventing polio-related complications in children.

2. Engagement with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kanifing

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity in public health initiatives, NYP conducted a specialized outreach session for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kanifing Municipality. Facilitated by Mr. Momodou Barry from the Ministry of Health, with the support of a sign language interpreter, the session ensured accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments. The discussion was tailored to address the unique concerns of PWDs, dispelling myths and misconceptions about vaccines while reinforcing the importance of immunization for all children.

3. Community Sensitization in Gunjur

The campaign continued in Gunjur, where community members engaged in discussions on polio prevention, vaccine safety, and overcoming vaccine hesitancy. As in previous engagements, the session began with an assessment of participants’ understanding of polio and vaccination. Mr. Barry led the discussions, explaining that polio primarily affects children between 0 and 5 years old due to their developing immune systems and increased exposure to infectious environments. Parents and caregivers were encouraged to ensure their children receive the vaccine during the campaign period. Those who missed the vaccination rounds were advised to visit their nearest healthcare facility to get their children immunized.

Expanding Reach Through Social Media

Beyond community engagements, NYP leveraged digital platforms to amplify awareness, reaching a broader audience through informative posts, videos, and testimonials from health experts and parents. This approach complemented in-person outreach efforts, ensuring that critical health information was accessible to diverse segments of the population.

By combining grassroots mobilization with a dynamic social media campaign, NYP has played a pivotal role in supporting national efforts to eradicate polio in The Gambia. Through inclusive and targeted engagement, NYP continues to champion health advocacy, ensuring that no child is left unprotected. This initiative reflects NYP’s unwavering commitment to community well-being and a healthier, polio-free Gambia.