Morobo County Achieves 82 Percent Polio Immunisation Despite Security Challenges

(MOROBO COUNTY) – Health officials in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, have reported strong progress in the national polio vaccination campaign, achieving 82 percent coverage in the first round despite facing insecurity in some parts of the county.

The announcement was made on Monday, 3 November 2025, by County Health Director Mr. James Malish during the official launch of the second phase of the vaccination campaign held at the Morobo County Health Department offices.

The event was attended by local chiefs, youth leaders, security personnel and representatives of international humanitarian organisations working in the health sector. Officials praised the collaboration between community members and health workers, which helped overcome logistical and safety difficulties during the first round.

According to County EPI Supervisor Mr. Paul Kenyi, Morobo ranked second in Central Equatoria State in terms of vaccination coverage. He said the achievement reflected the hard work of vaccinators and the active participation of local communities.

However, he noted that an 18 percent gap remained due to insecurity in some areas, which limited access to a number of villages.

Mr. Jackson Baker, Payam Director of Lujule, called on community leaders to play a stronger role in supporting health teams. He said chiefs should help guide vaccinators to safe zones and work with families that have refused to allow vaccination. Baker stressed that protecting every child was a shared responsibility between the community and health authorities.

In his closing remarks, Director Malish urged vaccinators to remain committed, truthful and transparent in their data collection during the next round.

“We must use every available method to reach every child and ensure complete coverage in this phase,” he said.

The second round of the polio vaccination campaign is set to begin on 4 November 2025, with trained vaccinators being deployed across all five payams of Morobo County. The Health Department said it aims to reach 100 percent of the county’s children under five years old in this next phase.

Below is a summary of the campaign results:

Morobo Ranks Second in Central Equatoria Polio Coverage

Health officials expressed hope that improved coordination with security organs and local leaders will make the second phase safer and more effective. The campaign is part of South Sudan’s national effort to eradicate polio and strengthen community health resilience.