Why vaccination in Burkina Faso is a lifelong shield for children
Fada N’Gourma – Polio may be a crippling disease, but it’s entirely preventable through vaccination. In Burkina Faso, mothers are acutely aware of this and take daily action to shield their children from vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Nadège Thiombiano, a resident of Fada N’Gourma in the catchment area of the Centre de Santé et de Promotion Sociale (CSPS) Sector 9, is a mother to 13-month-old Mouzaratou. She’s vigilant about her daughter’s health, especially when a new polio vaccination campaign is launched. Her commitment is unwavering: to protect Mouzaratou from this devastating disease. For her, vaccination is both a maternal duty and a solemn promise. “I’ve seen what polio does to a child. As long as I live, none of my children will miss a single vaccine,” she vows.
Nadège’s resolve is rooted in a painful memory—seeing someone afflicted by polio. Today, she champions vaccination wholeheartedly. “Vaccination is life itself,” she says simply. Thanks to her dedication, Mouzaratou has received all her scheduled vaccines, including the polio shot.
How Burkina Faso’s health teams are turning the tide against polio
On November 7, 2025, health workers at CSPS Sector 09 were already hard at work before dawn. During the four-day polio vaccination drive (November 7–10), they vaccinated 5,290 children aged 0 to 59 months in their catchment area—exceeding the target of 5,060 by over 104%.
André Yonli, the head nurse at CSPS Sector 09, attributes this success to community engagement and meticulous coordination. “These numbers reflect the dedication of parents, the tireless efforts of vaccinators, and the impact of social mobilizers.” He explains that the campaign’s triumph stems from a robust partnership between health workers and community leaders. “We held advocacy and mobilization meetings to tackle challenges head-on. Mobile teams reached remote areas, including unplatted neighborhoods and internally displaced persons’ sites, thanks to precise planning and real-time monitoring.”
Strengthening trust through communication and training
Like other health facilities in the district, CSPS Sector 09 received training in data management and interpersonal communication to better educate families. Communication was a cornerstone of the campaign: social mobilization sessions involved religious leaders, traditional authorities, civil society groups, and women’s associations.
Talato Lompo, a mother of four, admits she once doubted vaccines due to misinformation. “Rumors made me fear vaccination would make my children sick. But after health workers explained its importance, I understood. Now, my vaccinated children rarely fall ill. That’s why I continue to vaccinate them.”
Adjaratou Ouoba, a community health volunteer, celebrates this shift in mindset. “Through awareness and social mobilization, mothers are increasingly aware of polio’s dangers and the critical role of vaccination. Parents like Nadège are taking proactive steps to ensure their children are protected.”
Partners amplify impact of Burkina Faso’s vaccination drive
Dr. Sandrine Bienvenue Sam, the district medical chief of Fada N’Gourma, credits Burkina Faso’s partners—particularly the World Health Organization (WHO)—for their steadfast support. “The WHO provided logistical and technical assistance, from vaccine transport to team supervision and data collection. Over 20 experts—epidemiologists, communication specialists, and administrators—were deployed to ensure flawless operations.”
The collaborative effort paid off: over 134,000 children across the health district were vaccinated, achieving a coverage rate of over 103%. These results underscore Burkina Faso’s commitment to maintaining its polio-free status since 2015 and preventing any resurgence.
For Nadège, these statistics tell a personal story: children growing up healthy. As she holds her daughter close, she reflects, “A vaccine is a small act, but it safeguards a lifetime.”
Vaccination campaigns continue, and every parent plays a pivotal role in keeping Burkina Faso polio-free. By vaccinating their children, families not only protect progress but also secure a future where polio is a distant memory. With community dedication and partner support, every child in Burkina Faso can look forward to a healthier tomorrow.
