Sudan launches massive polio campaign to reach 11 million children amid war: Health authorities Health workers in Sudan, supported by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, are racing to contain a poliovirus outbreak exacerbated by the country's ongoing conflict, the health ministry said. Authorities in Sudan confirmed infections in six children and detected the virus in three sewage samples in 2026. The virus has been circulating since December 2024. Key details: The first phase of the vaccination campaign took place between October 26 and 29, targeting 6 million children under the age of five in 12 countries. A second phase in early November will target 5 million children in the five states of Darfur and West Kordofan. In Darfur, the target age group is extended to children under 10 due to lower immunity levels. Efforts are being coordinated with neighboring Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan to prevent international spread. Crossing point depots are also placed along the borders to shelter displaced and mobile populations. The campaign faces enormous challenges providing relief to a population where over 13 million people have been displaced since 2023, leaving children highly vulnerable to malnutrition and vaccine-preventable diseases. Subscribe to Sputnik Africa | X.

Sudan launches massive polio campaign to reach 11 million children amid war: Health authorities Health workers in Sudan, supported by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, are racing to contain a poliovirus outbreak exacerbated by the country's ongoing conflict, the health ministry said. Authorities in Sudan confirmed infections in six children and detected the virus in three sewage samples in 2026. The virus has been circulating since December 2024. Key details: The first phase of the vaccination campaign took place between October 26 and 29, targeting 6 million children under the age of five in 12 countries. A second phase in early November will target 5 million children in the five states of Darfur and West Kordofan. In Darfur, the target age group is extended to children under 10 due to lower immunity levels. Efforts are being coordinated with neighboring Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan to prevent international spread. Crossing point depots are also placed along the borders to shelter displaced and mobile populations. The campaign faces enormous challenges providing relief to a population where over 13 million people have been displaced since 2023, leaving children highly vulnerable to malnutrition and vaccine-preventable diseases. Subscribe to Sputnik Africa | X.