Fada N’Gourma – While poliomyelitis remains a formidable threat, it is entirely preventable through immunization. In Burkina Faso, dedicated mothers are taking a stand, ensuring their children receive the necessary protection against vaccine-preventable illnesses.

A mother’s promise in Fada N’Gourma

Nadège Thiombiano, a resident of the Sector 9 health area in Fada N’Gourma, is a vigilant guardian of her 13-month-old daughter, Mouzaratou. When a recent polio vaccination drive was announced, Nadège was ready at dawn. For her, ensuring her child is immunized is both a maternal responsibility and a sacred vow. “I am well aware of the devastating impact of polio. As long as I am here, my children will never miss a dose,” she explains.

Her resolve is rooted in witnessing the physical toll the disease has taken on others in the past. To Nadège, the equation is simple: “Vaccination is life.” Consequently, Mouzaratou has followed the full national immunization schedule, including the essential polio drops.

Exceeding immunization targets

On November 7, 2025, healthcare workers at the Sector 09 health center began their mission early. During the four-day campaign ending November 10, they successfully vaccinated 5,290 children under the age of five. This achievement represents a 104% coverage rate, surpassing the initial target of 5,060 children.

André Yonli, the head nurse at the facility, attributes these impressive figures to the collective mobilization of parents, health teams, and social advocates. He notes that the success was built on meticulous planning and community engagement. “Our mobile teams reached the most isolated areas, including informal settlements and sites for internally displaced persons, thanks to constant monitoring and strategic coordination,” he says.

Overcoming vaccine hesitancy

The campaign also focused on strengthening communication skills to better address family concerns. By partnering with religious leaders, traditional authorities, and women’s associations, health workers were able to dismantle myths surrounding vaccines.

Talato Lompo, a mother of four, admits she was once skeptical. “Rumors made me fear that vaccines would make my children sick. However, through the daily guidance of health agents, I realized their true value. I see now that my children rarely fall ill since they started their vaccinations,” she shares.

Adjaratou Ouoba, a community health volunteer, has observed a positive shift in local attitudes. She notes that more parents are now taking the initiative to ensure their children are shielded from the dangers of poliomyelitis.

Strategic support and national impact

Dr. Sandrine Bienvenue Sam, the District Medical Officer for Fada N’Gourma, emphasized the vital role of technical partners like the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO provided logistical support for vaccine transport and deployed over twenty experts—including epidemiologists and communication specialists—to ensure the campaign’s quality.

Across the entire health district, the results were stellar: more than 134,000 children were vaccinated, achieving a coverage rate of 103%. These efforts are crucial for Burkina Faso to maintain its status as a polio-free nation, a milestone reached in 2015.

For Nadège, these numbers translate into a healthy future for her daughter. As she holds Mouzaratou, she reflects on the significance of the campaign: “This vaccine is a small gesture, but it provides a lifetime of protection.” By continuing these efforts, the community aims to ensure that polio remains a thing of the past, securing a healthy future for every child in Burkina Faso.