Zimbabwe has completed three synchronized vaccination rounds using the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), as part of a coordinated effort with neighboring countries to prevent the return of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2.
The campaigns focused on 27 higher-risk districts, especially border areas and dense urban neighborhoods, and relied heavily on door-to-door outreach so teams could find children who might otherwise miss routine immunization.
According to the World Health Organization’s Africa office, the three rounds ran in April, June, and July 2026 and vaccinated 936,618, 997,941, and 1,025,806 children under five, respectively, for nearly three million doses delivered in total.
Independent monitoring and Lot Quality Assurance Surveys reported high coverage, and the campaign also strengthened surveillance and cross-border coordination so health officials can spot any new poliovirus threats quickly.
Public-health partners say the approach shows how regional teamwork can protect hard-won progress, and Zimbabwe plans to keep boosting preparedness, routine immunization, and community engagement while the broader regional response continues.
