A massive drive to immunise over 85 million children in Africa to halt an ongoing polio epidemic has begun.

The World Health Organization wants to immunize under-fives against polio in 19 countries in west and central Africa, including nine where there are currently active polio outbreaks.

“From the top leadership to local district administrators in every country, we are each accountable to the African child – to vaccinate every child and achieve high coverage,” said Luis Gomes Sambo, WHO Regional Director for Africa, last week (press release).

Last year the WHO also attempted to stop the spread of this outbreak, but not enough children received jabs.

The BBC notes that Nigeria has been a particular problem, with some previous attempts to vaccinate in the north of the country faltering amid hostility from religious leaders. This time, however, religious groups are believed to be more receptive to the campaign, it adds.

Image: WHO