Vaccination in Burkina Faso: a lifesaving choice for every child

In the heart of Fada N’Gourma, mothers like Nadège Thiombiano are making a powerful difference by choosing vaccination for their children. Her commitment to protecting her 13-month-old daughter, Mouzaratou, from preventable diseases like poliomyelitis reflects a growing movement across Burkina Faso. This dedication is transforming health outcomes for families nationwide.

How vaccination reshapes health outcomes in Burkina Faso

Fada N’Gourma — Poliomyelitis, a serious yet entirely preventable disease, poses a constant threat to unvaccinated children. In Burkina Faso, mothers are stepping up to safeguard their families through immunization. Nadège Thiombiano, a resident of Fada N’Gourma under the jurisdiction of the Centre de santé et de Promotion sociale (CSPS) sector 9, ensures her daughter Mouzaratou stays protected. When a new polio vaccination campaign was announced, Nadège acted quickly, prioritizing her child’s health. For her, vaccination is both a maternal duty and a lifelong promise. “I’ve seen firsthand what polio can do. No child of mine will miss a vaccine as long as I live,” she declares with conviction.

Nadège’s resolve stems from witnessing the devastating effects of polio. Her trust in vaccination is unwavering. Mouzaratou has received all scheduled immunizations, including the polio vaccine, ensuring a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Community efforts drive vaccination success in Burkina Faso

On November 7, 2025, health workers at CSPS sector 09 mobilized early for a four-day polio vaccination campaign. Between November 7 and 10, they vaccinated 5,290 children aged 0 to 59 months — exceeding the target of 5,060 by over 104%. André Yonli, the head nurse at CSPS sector 09, credits this achievement to teamwork and community engagement. “These results reflect the dedication of parents, vaccinators, and social mobilizers. We held advocacy meetings, addressed challenges promptly, and deployed mobile teams to hard-to-reach areas, including informal settlements and displacement sites.”

The CSPS enhanced its data management and interpersonal communication skills to better engage families. Social mobilization sessions involved religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society groups, particularly women’s associations. These efforts are paying off, as seen in the stories of parents like Talato Lompo, a mother of four. “Before, rumors made me fear vaccines. After speaking with health workers, I understood their importance. My children rarely fall ill now, and I won’t stop vaccinating them.”

Adjaratou Ouoba, a community health volunteer, highlights the shift in attitudes. “Thanks to education and mobilization, mothers now recognize the dangers of polio and the value of vaccination. Many, like Nadège, take proactive steps to protect their children.”

Partnerships fuel Burkina Faso’s polio-free status

The District Medical Chief of Fada N’Gourma, Dr. Sandrine Bienvenue Sam, acknowledges the critical role of partners like the World Health Organization (WHO). “WHO provided logistical and technical support, from vaccine transportation to team supervision and data collection. Over 20 experts, including epidemiologists and communication specialists, ensured the campaign’s success.”

At the district level, more than 134,000 children were vaccinated, achieving a coverage rate of over 103%. These figures reinforce Burkina Faso’s polio-free status since 2015 and its commitment to preventing any resurgence. For Nadège, the impact is personal: “A small vaccine protects a lifetime.”

Campaigns continue, and every parent plays a vital role in keeping Burkina Faso polio-free. By vaccinating their children, families preserve progress and 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.