The Ministry of Health is strengthening vaccination and surveillance activities to protect children following the detection of poliovirus type 1 (VDPV1) in two children aged between 6 and 13 months who developed paralysis in Deir Ezzor Governorate.
The Ministry, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, has already begun vaccination activities in affected areas and is preparing further campaigns. Families are encouraged to check their children’s vaccination records, complete all recommended doses and participate in campaigns targeting their children.
Polio can cause permanent paralysis, but it can be prevented through vaccination. Completing the recommended doses helps protect children, and high vaccination coverage helps stop the virus from spreading. Additional doses offered during campaigns strengthen protection; they do not replace routine childhood vaccinations.
Disruptions to health services and difficulties accessing routine immunization have left gaps in protection in some communities. The response focuses on reaching children who have missed vaccinations and on helping families access reliable information and essential health services.
Following initial reports of suspected cases on 11 October 2026, health teams conducted a vaccination campaign on 18 October, reaching more than 34 000 children under five in affected areas of Deir Ezzor. A further campaign is planned for next week, with additional rounds and locations to be determined through ongoing assessments. The Ministry will announce the areas covered, eligible age groups and how families can access vaccination services.
“Vaccination is one of the most important steps families can take to protect their children from polio. We encourage parents and caregivers to complete their children’s recommended vaccinations and cooperate with health teams during upcoming campaigns,” said Syrian Minister of Health Dr Mousab Al Ali. “Our responsibility is to reach children who need protection and keep the public informed. We will provide regular updates on the situation and our response. The awareness and cooperation of our communities is essential to these efforts.”
The Ministry, with support from WHO, UNICEF and partners, is strengthening surveillance and conducting field investigations to identify any further cases, assess the risk of transmission and guide vaccination activities.
