Fada N’Gourma – Polio may be a severe illness, but it is entirely preventable through vaccination. In Burkina Faso, mothers are fully aware of this and actively ensure their children receive life-saving vaccines.

Nadège Thiombiano, a resident of Fada N’Gourma within the jurisdiction of the Sector 9 Health and Social Promotion Center (CSPS), is one such mother. Her daughter, Mouzaratou, is 13 months old, and every step taken by Nadège is toward safeguarding her health. When she learned of a new polio vaccination campaign, she prepared early to ensure her child received the vaccine. For her, vaccination is both a maternal duty and a solemn promise. « I know what polio can do to a child. As long as I live, none of my children will miss their vaccine, » she declares.

Nadège recalls witnessing polio’s devastating effects, a memory that strengthens her commitment to vaccination. « Vaccination means life, » she says simply. Thanks to this conviction, Mouzaratou has received all scheduled vaccines, including the polio shot.

On November 7, 2025, health workers at CSPS Sector 09 were already mobilized at dawn. During the polio vaccination campaign from November 7 to 10, 5,290 children aged 0 to 59 months were vaccinated in their catchment area—exceeding the initial target of 5,060 children, achieving a coverage rate of over 104%.

why community efforts drive vaccination success

André Yonli, head nurse at CSPS Sector 09, attributes this success to the combined efforts of parents, vaccinators, and social mobilizers. « These numbers reflect the dedication of parents, the hard work of our vaccination teams, and the tireless efforts of community mobilizers, » he explains. He highlights the rigorous coordination between health stakeholders and community leaders.

« We held advocacy and mobilization meetings to address challenges and implement quick solutions. Mobile teams reached remote areas, including unplatted neighborhoods and sites for internally displaced persons, thanks to precise planning and continuous monitoring, » Yonli adds.

Health facilities in the district received enhanced training in data management and interpersonal communication to better engage families. Communication was key: social mobilization sessions involved religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society groups, including women’s associations.

real stories: mothers embrace vaccination

Talato Lompo, a mother of four, once doubted vaccination due to misinformation. « Before, I thought vaccines would make my children sick because of the rumors. But after health workers explained their importance, I realized their benefits. Since vaccinating my children, they rarely fall ill. That’s why I continue ensuring they receive all their shots, » she shares.

Adjaratou Ouoba, a community health volunteer, celebrates this shift in mindset. « Thanks to sensitization and social mobilization, mothers increasingly understand polio’s dangers and the necessity of vaccination. Many, like Nadège, take proactive steps to protect their children, » she notes.

partners boost vaccination efforts in Fada N’Gourma

Dr. Sandrine Bienvenue Sam, district medical chief in Fada N’Gourma, acknowledges the critical support from technical and financial partners, particularly the World Health Organization (WHO), which played a pivotal role from planning to post-campaign evaluation.

« WHO provided logistical and technical support for vaccine transport, team supervision, and data collection. Over 20 experts—epidemiologists, communication specialists, and administrators—were deployed to ensure smooth operations, » she explains.

The participatory approach yielded impressive results: over 134,000 children were vaccinated across the health district, achieving a coverage rate exceeding 103%. These figures underscore Burkina Faso’s commitment to maintaining its polio-free status since 2015 and preventing any resurgence.

a lifelong shield for Burkina Faso’s children

For Nadège, these numbers represent something deeply personal: healthy children growing up. Holding her daughter close, she sums up the motivation behind every parent’s efforts: « This vaccine is a small act, but it protects a lifetime. »

Vaccination campaigns continue, and parents play a crucial role in keeping Burkina Faso polio-free. By vaccinating their children, families not only preserve progress but also secure a future where polio is a distant memory. Through community commitment and partner support, every child in Burkina Faso can grow up healthy and protected.