Sudan has launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign targeting approximately 11 million children, as health authorities and international partners work to prevent the spread of poliovirus amid continuing conflict and disruption to healthcare services.

Announced on October 28, 2026, by UNICEF, the campaign is being implemented by Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other partners. It will use novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to strengthen children’s immunity against circulating variant poliovirus.

The first phase, running from October 26 to 29, aims to reach around 6 million children in 107 localities across 12 states. A second phase is scheduled for the first week of November, targeting another five million children in areas including Darfur and West Kordofan.

Sudan has confirmed poliovirus in six children and three wastewater samples during 2026, according to the announcement. The campaign seeks to interrupt transmission and protect children whose routine vaccinations may have been disrupted by displacement, insecurity and limited access to health facilities.

Health workers and vaccination teams are being mobilised to reach communities that are difficult to access, including families living in conflict-affected areas and populations moving across borders. Coordination with neighbouring countries is also intended to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.

A second nationwide round is planned approximately one month after the first campaign. Its success will depend on access to communities, vaccine availability and cooperation from families and local leaders.

The initiative represents a major public health effort to protect children from a preventable disease while Sudan’s healthcare system continues to face significant pressure.