Malawi is beginning to enjoy major health benefits after introducing the second dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV2) as part of efforts to boost immunity against the deadly type 2 poliovirus. This new health intervention comes just months after the country was declared polio-free again in May 2024, following a wild poliovirus outbreak in 2022 that shocked the nation and the world.
The IPV2 vaccination campaign was officially launched in December 2024 by the Malawi Ministry of Health. It received technical support from the Malawi Immunisation Technical Advisory Group and funding from GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance. Since then, more than 187,000 children across different parts of Malawi have received the IPV2 dose, showing strong signs of improvement in the country’s routine immunisation programme. By April 2025, the health authorities had recorded great progress not only in vaccine delivery but also in public response and impact.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), which is closely monitoring the programme, confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday that over 17,000 health workers have been trained under the IPV2 rollout to strengthen delivery at health centres and remote areas. The vaccine is now widely available in hospitals, health centres, and outreach posts throughout Malawi, including hard-to-reach communities where access to basic healthcare is often a challenge.
WHO also commended Malawi for its data-driven approach in the IPV2 campaign. Health officials have successfully updated vaccine data tools and monitoring systems to include the new dose in children’s routine immunisation schedules. These systems are important for tracking vaccination coverage, identifying gaps, and ensuring that every child is protected against polio.
Community engagement has played a vital role in the successful rollout. Village chiefs, religious leaders, youth groups, and local radio stations have all helped raise awareness about the benefits of IPV2 and the importance of completing all immunisation schedules. Many parents and caregivers, particularly mothers in rural areas, said they now feel more confident in taking their children for vaccines because of improved sensitisation and trust in health workers.
One of the visible impacts of the IPV2 campaign, according to caregivers and health centres, is the reduction in frequent illnesses among children under five. Many mothers said they now spend less time at hospitals and more time working or doing household activities. This is seen as a major achievement, especially in low-income households where women’s time is often stretched between earning a living and caring for sick children.
The introduction of IPV2 comes as a direct response to the 2022 outbreak of Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1) in Malawi—the first recorded case in 30 years. The outbreak raised serious alarm both locally and internationally. The government, with support from global health partners such as WHO and UNICEF, quickly mobilised resources for mass vaccination campaigns, improved surveillance, and public awareness. These efforts led to Malawi regaining its polio-free certification within two years—a feat that health experts described as remarkable.
Experts say the second dose of the inactivated vaccine is vital for long-term immunity against type 2 poliovirus, which remains a threat in some parts of the world despite global progress in eradicating polio. IPV2 is now being recommended by WHO and GAVI for inclusion in the immunisation schedules of countries that have experienced recent polio outbreaks or where the risk of importation remains high.
In Malawi’s case, the addition of the IPV2 dose is not just a health measure—it is also seen as a way to build resilience in the public health system and prevent the country from sliding back into another outbreak. The government said it will continue to collaborate with international partners to improve vaccination coverage and ensure that no child is left behind.
The Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, has reaffirmed its commitment to reaching every child with life-saving vaccines. According to her, the success of IPV2 is proof that Malawi’s health sector, despite challenges, can deliver results when policies, funding, and community support align.
As Africa continues to fight infectious diseases and push for stronger healthcare systems, Malawi’s experience with IPV2 is likely to serve as a case study for other countries aiming to end polio once and for all.
