Officials fear that the risks of under-immunization are not clearly understood by the publicBeirut, 10 April 2014 – As the threat of polio grows across the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the Ministry of Public Health of Lebanon today launched a national polio immunization campaign to prevent polio regaining a foothold in Lebanon after an absence of 13 years. 

This campaign is part of a multi-country regional drive to contain the spread of the highly infectious and incurable virus. The campaign aims to immunize at least 600 000 children under-5 in Lebanon against polio over the coming six days. Vaccinators will also protect all children under 18 against measles and rubella and deliver vitamin A to strengthen children's immune systems.

“Lebanon has been polio-free for more than a decade and we are committed to preserving that status,” said His Excellency Wael Abu Faour, the Minister of Public Health. “We know that only multiple doses of oral polio vaccine can provide enough protection. Over the next few days the nation must make it a priority to ensure these vital vaccines reach all children within these borders.”

“This is an important moment for children’s health in Lebanon,” said Annamaria Laurini, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon. “We are appealing to every parent and doctor: make sure children receive the polio vaccine during these rounds no matter what their immunization status. Any case of polio here would be an avoidable tragedy - for the family and for the country.”