Calumbo's Commitment to a Polio-Free Future

Nestled alongside the expansive Kwanza River, the municipality of Calumbo is making headlines for its unwavering dedication to public health. From August 15 to 17, this vibrant community participated in the First Round of the National Polio Vaccination Campaign, as part of a nationwide initiative that mobilized over 50,000 health workers and volunteers across all 326 municipalities in Angola, aiming to protect around 7 million children under five.

A Grassroots Movement in Action

In Calumbo, devoted teams fanned out across the community—visiting homes, bustling markets, churches, and taxi stands—to ensure that no child missed out on the life-saving oral polio vaccine. Among the instrumental figures leading this charge is Francisco Manuel, a 26-year-old student passionate about physical education, who transitioned from community mobilizer to vaccine team supervisor. Francisco passionately states, "What motivates me is teaching my colleagues and engaging with the community to safeguard our children's lives." His role extends beyond logistics; he champions educational efforts against misinformation surrounding vaccinations. "These training sessions are vital tools in changing mindsets. Now, the community recognizes that vaccines save lives, and every child deserves to be vaccinated."

Role Models in Action

Francisco stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, garnering respect and admiration from both youth and families alike. His commitment doesn't end with polio; he also dedicates his time to volunteer efforts at the Municipal Hospital of Icolo and Bengo.

A Tailored Approach